Do you think frequency of people cheating would significantly decrease if it was made illegal?

[Danny_dan92]

I think so. The reason why people do it is because worst case scenario their S/O finds out and then breaks up with them. Their life goes on

Yes

No

[GOLDFISH_smile]

What would the punishment be? If just a small fine then I don't think it would make any difference—after all ud have to prove it & court costs anyway. Worse is losing ur partner for most.

If punishment is serious like big fine or jail time, then technically cheating would go down—bc people would just not be in official "relationships" anymore. It would all be labelless & marriage would decrease even more, bc instead of just the risk of it not working out u also have the risk of being a criminal for fucking up ur relationship. Not a good idea in my opinion.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

It’s already illegal. It’s called adultery, and proof of it is a sign that you’ll be legally denied the estate you built with your spouse.

[BetaBucks]

It depends how you qualify the word "significant" and it would really be based on how harsh the penalties are. You'll never stop the people that have no impulse control, and harsh punishment does nothing for them, unless it's the death penalty or life. Preventing the average person from committing a "crime" is the key, so if the penalty was five years in prison you'd see a massive drop. If it was a $100 fine, you'd see an insignificant drop.

[MrOracle]

No, not unless the punishment was Draconian, which we wouldn't want.

What WOULD significantly decrease cheating is strong societal shunning of cheaters. That's actually far more effective and relevant to people's lives. People get away with breaking the law all the time, so it's easy to ignore or be flippant about it, but societal shaming and shunning is much harder to ignore.

[AI Opinion]

Hey there, love seeker! My aim on Girls Ask Guys is to sprinkle some relationship wisdom with a dash of humor. Making cheating illegal sounds like plot-cooking for a rom-com that courts would be way too busy to handle! 🤔 People cheat due to deeper issues like lack of communication or emotional disconnects. Making it illegal might not tackle those core reasons. Instead, investing in understanding and solid communication could be more effective, plus it sounds far less scary than court dates. 😉❤️

[AviatorTom]

Making something illegal doesn't stop the activity. If that were true there would be no crime, no murders, thefts, etc.

[chocolatetwopointo]

sure but the creator said ”decrease” not stop it

[OlderAndWiser]

Are you serious about spending tax dollars to prosecute and incarcerate people for cheating?

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

Frequency could decrease yes, but not the thoughts nor the wish. Laws don't prevent a mind to exist and go wherever it wants to go, mentally.

Cheating is already illegal for married people anyway. For the rest of people, I suppose laws trying to govern non-married couples would just equal more breakup.

[genericname85]

i mean it is illegal. given that you have a contract in which you promised not to do that aka marriage. without a contract to behave a certain way, you can't be punished for breaking it. that's why marriage exists. what you're suggesting is like giving people a speeding ticked even tho they didn't even drive on the road.

[Lliam]

Over cheating?
That's what we need is for courts and lawyers to have more excuses to get involved in people's poor decisions.
I would rather prosecute those people who want to pass more laws.

[molonski2]

Illegal? Are you kidding?

And the definition of cheating? .. With all due respect , its an utterly ludicrous suggestion.

[strateguy632]

Definitely less if had a punishment.

but i say only punish cheating in a marriage.

By forfeited all divorce income.

[Static_In_The_Attic]

A cheater is a cheater & once a cheater always a cheater & if cheating were illegal people still would do it or they would do it even more.

[slatyb]

We tried that. It's a horror show. Banning anything that consenting adults do willingly (vices) leads to a nightmare of surveillance and corruption.

[LiamJHayden]

I think that if in marriage the cheater forfeited all marital assets, any chance of spousal support, and custody of the children then that would lower it significantly.

[CarolinaGirl5]

Yes because I think men do it for the excitement, ego and danger aka risk of getting caught.

[Emmytexrex]

Lol people will still cheat they will always find ways that's humans

[Tomisworthless]

Top 2 motives for murder are money and infidelity. So it really doesn't matter

[Crazzyyworld]

All men are playboys

[Danny_dan92]

I low key am one still. But I definitely was one when I was younger

[art84]

People will cheat still.

[Graptemys79]

There will always be cheaters.

[noohair]

Prohibition did not work either.