TheMidwestMonger
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Simple English definitions for legal terms
forbidden degree
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A quick definition of forbidden degree:
A forbidden degree is a type of relationship that is so close that it is against the law to get married. For example, brothers and sisters cannot get married because they are in a forbidden degree of relationship. The law also prohibits marriages between other close relatives like aunts and nephews or uncles and nieces. This is because these relationships are considered too close and it is not allowed.
A more thorough explanation:
A forbidden degree is a type of prohibited degree under the category of degree. It refers to a degree of relationship that is so close that marriage between the individuals is not allowed by law. For example, siblings cannot marry each other because they are in a forbidden degree of relationship.
The law generally prohibits marriages between all persons who are lineally related and within the third civil-law degree of relationship. This means that aunt-nephew and uncle-niece relationships are also prohibited. The term "forbidden degree" is also known as "Levitical degree" because the Bible prohibits incest in Leviticus 18:6-18.
For instance, if a brother and sister want to get married, they cannot do so because they are in a forbidden degree of relationship. The law prohibits such marriages to prevent genetic abnormalities and to maintain social order.
Another example is that a father cannot marry his daughter because they are in a forbidden degree of relationship. This is because such relationships are considered taboo and morally wrong in most societies.