Penalty Info

Home / United Kingdom (England & Wales) / Bigamy

BigamyVerified against official source

Verified against official source

This range was checked against the official legal text. Last verified: 2026-10-19.

Statutory range

On indictment

Imprisonment
0 (no mandatory prison) – 7 years
Fine
No fine stated in s. 57

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.

Being married, marrying another person during the life of the former spouse.

Note on this entry

s. 57 states penal servitude up to 7 years, construed as imprisonment. Indictable only. Statutory defences: 7 years' continuous absence, divorce, or void first marriage.

Source

Statute
Offences Against the Person Act 1861, s. 57
Official source
legislation.gov.uk
Verification status
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, guidelines, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.