Legal Definitions - lenocinium

Lenocinium refers to two distinct concepts primarily found in historical Roman and Scots law:

• The act of profiting financially from the prostitution of another person.
• A husband's deliberate encouragement or facilitation of his wife's adultery, often with the intent to use it against her in a divorce proceeding. In such cases, the wife could use this claim as a defense to prevent the husband from obtaining a divorce based on her infidelity.

Here are some examples to illustrate the meaning of lenocinium:

• Example 1 (Profiting from Prostitution): A building owner knowingly rents out several apartments at significantly inflated rates to individuals who use them exclusively for prostitution. The owner is aware of and profits directly from these activities, effectively acting as a panderer by providing the venue for gain.

  This scenario illustrates lenocinium because the building owner is financially benefiting from the prostitution of others by providing the necessary facilities and charging a premium for that specific use.

• Example 2 (Husband's Facilitation of Adultery): A husband, desiring to divorce his wife without incurring significant financial obligations, subtly introduces her to a known suitor, arranges for them to spend time alone together, and even encourages their developing relationship, fully aware and intending that an affair will ensue. He plans to use this infidelity as grounds for divorce to his advantage.

  This demonstrates lenocinium because the husband actively schemed and facilitated his wife's adultery, intending to use her actions as a legal basis for divorce while potentially avoiding financial penalties himself.