CyberGuy Posted January 20, 2007 Posted January 20, 2007 Guess Who Could Go to Jail for Adultery? If you cheat on your husband or wife in Michigan, you could spend the rest of your life in prison. It may be an old law, but it's just been upheld by a state appeals court ruling. Agence France Presse reports that the state's appeals court has ruled that extramarital affairs can be prosecuted as first-degree criminal sexual conduct, which is a felony punishable by up to life in jail. "We cannot help but question whether the Legislature actually intended the result we reach here today," Judge William Murphy wrote in a unanimous Court of Appeals panel, "but we are curtailed by the language of the statute from reaching any other conclusion. Technically, any time a person engages in sexual penetration in an adulterous relationship, he or she is guilty of CSC I." That is the most serious sexual assault charge in the criminal code of Michigan. Although adultery is still considered a felony in Michigan, the last time someone was actually convicted of such a crime was in 1971. Legal eagles think the appeals court judges have something else in mind with this strange ruling. And they're having a field day trying to figure out who is the intended target, which they think it's not an adulterer but rather a jab at the state Supreme Court. That illustrious body recently decreed that judges must interpret statutory language adopted by the Legislature literally, whatever the consequences. And that is exactly what this panel of judges on the Court of Appeals has done, ludicrous though the result is. Quote Riverside CA
Woody Posted January 20, 2007 Posted January 20, 2007 Three Cheers For us living in the great state of Michigan. It is about time a state stood up for what is right. When you break a contract ... there are always consequences. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
cricket Posted January 20, 2007 Posted January 20, 2007 It is a shame that someone will have to face this ludicrous sentence just so the judiciaries can prove their point. Quote
Woody Posted January 20, 2007 Posted January 20, 2007 I find it very comforting. It may help restore marriage in the our state. If someone is unfaithful ... there needs to be consequences. The bad consequences are very evident ... it destroys the family. It hurts children. The guilty one needs to be punished. We punish those who murder. Then why not punish those who murder families. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Dr. Shane Posted January 20, 2007 Posted January 20, 2007 From what I read, prosecuters still have the descretion of whether or not to prosecute and Michigan's state autorney general has himself committed adultry. Quote Pastoral Family Counselor... Find me at www.PostumCafe.com Author of Peculiar Christianity
Moderators Gerr Posted January 20, 2007 Moderators Posted January 20, 2007 Would you consider it ludicrous then that God would pronounce eternal damnation to an unrepentant sinner who commits the same crime? Gerry Quote
bevin Posted January 20, 2007 Posted January 20, 2007 Quote: It is a shame that someone will have to face this ludicrous sentence just so the judiciaries can prove their point. Don't blame the legal system if they enforce the laws passed by your elected representatives... blame the elected representatives! /Bevin Quote
cricket Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 No, I wouldn't consider it ludicrous for God to pronounce eternal damnation on individuals who are unrepentant for their crimes. However, committing adultery isn't something He locked people up for life over. In fact, Jesus chose NOT to throw the stone--even though He was the only worthy One to do so. And, I'm not blaming anyone. I just think it's a shame that anyone would have to go through such difficulties when Love would solve so much more in the long run. As an offspring of one who did commit adultery, and who went through the hurts of divorce (as mentioned in Redwood's post), I truly believe the detriment I would have suffered would have been greater if my parent had been sentenced to life imprisonment. The "blame" for adultery (in my opinion) never rests solely on the adulterer. If the legal system (including the judges, lawyers, representatives and voters) pushes to punish those that are at fault, there will be a world of persons imprisoned and only a few (if any) left to wander the wilderness freely. Quote
Woody Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 No, I wouldn't consider it ludicrous for God to pronounce eternal damnation on individuals who are unrepentant for their crimes. However, committing adultery isn't something He locked people up for life over. In fact, Jesus chose NOT to throw the stone--even though He was the only worthy One to do so. Cricket has made a good point here. Jesus did not throw the stones. That means to me that the CHURCH has no business throwing the stones. I am opposed to the CHURCH sitting in judgment of sinners in any form or fashion. However ... Jesus did respect the laws of the land ... even slavery. I feel that it IS up to society to make laws for the people and also for consequences. What must be avoided is the spiritual connotations. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
cricket Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 Society, indeed, needs to make laws for people and to determine and enforce consequences. Life imprisonment for adultery, in my opinion, is extreme. Counseling, prayer and forgiveness can go a long way in re-establishing a Christ-centered marriage that honors God. Quote
Woody Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 I would like to put your mind at ease. NO ONE in the US will be put in prison for life for adultry. It is simply a fact. IT WILL NOT HAPPEN. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Halfstep Denise Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 I wouldn't bet on it!! Halfstep Denise Quote "If you're all God has, is God in trouble? -- Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
Woody Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 Well the last time there was a prosecution of this law in our state was in 1971 and that person did not go to jail for life. So ... What are you basing you "bet" on ? I guess if it is your belief that this state is becoming more moral then you might have a chance. But ... I find this state being more liberal and amoral. I guess since I live here ... I might have a better advantage to judge the morality of the state. I find adultry being much more accepted and even the norm. And since there have not been any prosecutions as of late ... I have to assume that society and the laws are more and more accepting of it NOT less. I think the Bible and Ellen White are clear on what the condition of the world will be in the end times. And it is not going to become MORE moral. God's laws will be made fun of not supported. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Robert Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 Jesus did respect the laws of the land ... even slavery. Quote
Halfstep Denise Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 All I was saying is, stranger things have been known to happen in the judicial system. I haven't lived in Michigan since I was 4 years old, but I have relatives who do live there. Halfstep Denise Quote "If you're all God has, is God in trouble? -- Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
Woody Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 NOW I understand why you feel that Michigan is such a moral place. I am sure your relatives are very moral people. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Robert Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 ....committing adultery isn't something He locked people up for life over. In fact, Jesus chose NOT to throw the stone--even though He was the only worthy One to do so. Huh...He never had it in mind! And don't forget those who wanted her dead brought up the law: "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” Did Jesus say, "Stone her?" No, He said: Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin [i.e., prostitution/adultery].” Now the world is "old covenant". That's just the way it is. Laws don’t change hearts - they cause fear. And we know that fear doesn't bring honest change, yet we know that in this world that's all the sinful nature understands. So, in the human sense, I would like to see the one committing adultery have to suffer in his/her flesh by losing some of that green stuff at the bank. You know, punish the nature... Anyway.... Rob Quote
Woody Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 Slaves be obedient to your masters. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Moderators Bravus Posted January 21, 2007 Moderators Posted January 21, 2007 Not to nitpick (well, a bit), but that was Paul, not Jesus, IIRC. Quote Truth is important
Woody Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 Sorry for the error ... I am sure that Jesus would disagree with what Paul had to say. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Parade Orange Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 The Sacredness of Marriage is something we as Western Culture homo sapiens do not grasp as a nation and in our Own Churches!! o woe is the marriage of most heteros I do know! woe woe woe The Sacredness of Marriage is not not understood in the church! When u open up the Possiblies in your mindset when U study Hosea!!! We serve a GOD of reconiliation!! U see it everywhere! In God's dealing with us! as bad as Adultry is... God forgives and restores with His unrelenting LOVE. and one more WOE to christian married couples who dont grasp this wonderful WORD. The Sacredness of Marriage! there I said it! dont whine to me about gay marriages! its your folks thinking about straight marriages that I am more afraid of!!! !!! Quote All progress in the Spiritual Life is knowing and Loving GOD"there is non upon earth that I desire besides YOU" PS 73:25That perspective changes EVERYTHING-suffering and adversity are the means that makes us hungry for GOD. Disapointments will wean us away wordly occupations. Even sin(when repented of) becomes a mechanism to push us closer to HIM as we experience His Love and Forgiveness.
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted January 21, 2007 Members Posted January 21, 2007 NOW I understand why you feel that Michigan is such a moral place. I am sure your relatives are very moral people. A snide remark. How original. Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
Woody Posted January 21, 2007 Posted January 21, 2007 Pam ... Now that you point it out ... I think you are right. It was a snide remark. And I would like to apologize. I did not intend to sound that way. But I agree it does sound snide and rude. Sorry. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Neil D Posted January 22, 2007 Posted January 22, 2007 I find adultry being much more accepted and even the norm. And since there have not been any prosecutions as of late ... I have to assume that society and the laws are more and more accepting of it NOT less. [snip] God's laws will be made fun of not supported. So, let me get this straight...You would support that men and women go to jail for adultry, even imprisoned for life? Are you saying that when the marriage breaks apart, that there is always someone within the marriage that causes the break up? Should that one be sentenced? What if the marriage break up is not because of adultery? What if the married people have decided that marriage can not be to each other because they have grown appart? Should there be a imprisonment in this case? Quote Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve. George Bernard Shaw
Halfstep Denise Posted January 22, 2007 Posted January 22, 2007 Apology accepted, Redwood, and thank you! Halfstep Denise Quote "If you're all God has, is God in trouble? -- Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
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