What does bigamy refer to?

Bigamy specifically refers to the act of marrying someone while already being married to another person. This legal term highlights the complexities of marital status and the obligations associated with it. In many jurisdictions, bigamy is considered a criminal offense due to the violation of the laws that govern marriage.

Understanding this definition helps clarify why it does not pertain to having multiple romantic partners or engaging in non-committal relationships, as those situations do not involve legal marriage contracts. Similarly, being in a relationship while legally separated does not constitute bigamy, since the individuals involved may not be legally bound to each other in the same manner as a marriage. By focusing on the legal implications of marriage, the definition of bigamy is clear and distinct from other relational contexts.