Recently, a jury in North Carolina awarded a woman $9 million in damages from her husband's mistress. The ruling was made based on North Carolina's "alienation of affection" adultery law. The law, which was created in the 19th century, basically allows wives to sue their husband's mistresses if they believe the affair ruined their marriage. The jury came up with the $9 million, which is comprised of $5 million in compensation and $4 million in punitive damages. The mistress plans on appealing, based on the fact that she doesn't have a lot of money and thinks $9 million is ridiculous. The husband also has stated that this affair didn't single-handedly ruin their marriage; he said it's suffered "significant problems" for years. More on the story can be found here: http://www.smh.com.au/world/woman-told-to-pay-9m-to-lovers-wife-20100324-qwuv.html?
Mistress Told to Pay $9 Million
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This case is appalling. I think its ridiculous when laws from a century ago are still being practiced. There are several laws in Iowa that are still laws that are just stupid, like a man with a mustache can't kiss a woman in public. Although silly laws like that aren't taken seriously, neither should the one in North Carolina. There's no way that a woman needs $9 million for being cheated on. If any money is to be involved, it should go to therapy for the ex wife if she is so traumatized.
I think if there should be any money being passed on from one peron to another, it should be the wife getting a bunch of money from the husdband when they get divorced. Because it is not only the mistress' fault but it is also the husbands fault for sleeping around with her. I don't think the mistress should be punished at all. It sucks that it happened but i would blame the husband more than the mistress.