Bigamy
in civil law: (1) English, the act of marrying a second time, while the first husband or wife is still known to be living. By a law passed in 1276, it was punished with death. In 1603, during the reign of James I., it was made felony, without benefit of clergy.
By a law passed in 1794, the capital penalty was modified into imprisonment or transportation. (2) In the United States, the statutory provisions against bigamy or polygamy are in general similar to, and copied from, the statute of James I., excepting as to punishment, and the Congressional legislation against those practicing polygamy as a part of their religious belief. Under the Federal laws, bigamy in the Territories is punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years and a fine not exceeding $500. The different States vary in the punishment attached to the crime.
In many States fines are imposed in addition to a prison sentence and a failure to pay the fine results in a lengthening of the sentence.