Legal Definitions - abominable and detestable crime against nature

The term "abominable and detestable crime against nature" is an archaic and pejorative legal phrase historically used in various jurisdictions to criminalize certain sexual acts. It was typically associated with "sodomy" laws and broadly applied to non-procreative sexual acts, often specifically targeting same-sex sexual activity. These laws were frequently used to prosecute and stigmatize individuals, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community.

In many modern legal systems, especially in the United States following the Supreme Court's decision in Lawrence v. Texas (2003), such laws have been repealed, struck down as unconstitutional, or are no longer enforceable due to violating privacy and equal protection rights. While the phrase itself is largely obsolete in contemporary legal codes in democratic nations, its historical use reflects a period when certain consensual sexual behaviors were deemed criminal and morally reprehensible by the state.

• Example 1: Historical Prosecution
  In the mid-20th century, a man living in a conservative rural county was arrested and charged under a state statute that defined "abominable and detestable crime against nature" to include homosexual acts. He faced imprisonment and public shaming simply for engaging in private, consensual sexual activity with another man, which was then considered a felony.

  This example illustrates how the term was historically codified into law and actively used to prosecute individuals based on their sexual orientation, leading to severe legal and social consequences.

• Example 2: Repeal of Dormant Laws
  A particular state's criminal code contained a section, inherited from 19th-century legislation, that outlawed "crimes against nature." Although the statute had not been actively enforced for decades and was rendered unconstitutional by federal court rulings, it remained on the books until a legislative reform effort in the early 21st century finally removed it, formally aligning the state's laws with contemporary constitutional standards.

  This demonstrates how the term, even when dormant or unenforceable, persisted in legal texts as a relic of past discrimination, and how its eventual removal signifies a legal and societal shift away from criminalizing consensual adult sexual behavior.

• Example 3: Social Stigma and Legacy
  While no longer a legally enforceable crime in most Western countries, the historical existence of "abominable and detestable crime against nature" laws contributed significantly to a climate of fear and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. For instance, an elderly person might recall a time when the mere accusation of engaging in such an act could lead to job loss, social ostracization, or even violence, even if formal charges were never filed.

  This example highlights the lasting social and psychological impact of such laws, showing how the term, even beyond its direct legal application, fostered a culture of prejudice and fear that affected people's lives and well-being.