South Carolina's Adultery and Fornication Statutes
In short
South Carolina's code still makes adultery and fornication crimes (§ 16-15-60). Fornication means two unmarried people living together and having intercourse, or having habitual intercourse without living together (§ 16-15-80). The listed penalty is a $100 to $500 fine, six months to a year in prison, or both. The text dates to 1880.
What the full article will cover
- What do sections 16-15-60 and 16-15-80 say?
- How does South Carolina define fornication and adultery?
- What penalties are listed?
- Can the law be enforced after Lawrence v. Texas?
- Does adultery still matter in South Carolina divorce?
Frequently asked questions
- Is adultery illegal in South Carolina?
- How long has the law existed?
- Has anyone been prosecuted recently?
Sources
- scstatehouse.gov — https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t16c015.php
- law.cornell.edu — https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/fornication
- law.cornell.edu — https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/539/558
General information, not legal or religious advice.