Legal Definitions - licentious

The term licentious describes behavior or attitudes that demonstrate a clear disregard for accepted moral standards or legal restrictions, particularly concerning sexual conduct. It implies a lack of self-control and an excessive indulgence in activities considered inappropriate or offensive by societal norms.

• Example 1: A prominent politician, despite being married, was frequently seen at late-night parties engaging in overtly flirtatious and intimate behavior with various individuals, drawing public criticism for their perceived lack of moral restraint.

  Explanation: This illustrates licentious behavior because the politician is openly disregarding societal expectations of marital fidelity and public decorum, showing an excessive indulgence in sexualized conduct that ignores conventional moral boundaries.

• Example 2: During a period of social upheaval, a group of artists published a series of graphic novels filled with explicit sexual imagery and themes that challenged conventional notions of decency and modesty.

  Explanation: The content of the graphic novels could be described as licentious because it deliberately pushes beyond accepted moral boundaries regarding the public display of sexual material, demonstrating a disregard for established norms of propriety.

• Example 3: A wealthy heir, known for hosting extravagant parties, often encouraged guests to engage in wild and uninhibited sexual activities without regard for privacy or consent, leading to complaints and legal issues.

  Explanation: This scenario exemplifies licentious conduct due to the heir's promotion of excessive and unrestrained sexual activity, which disregards both moral standards (respect for privacy, consent) and potentially legal boundaries.