Legal Definitions - bastardy statute

Definition: A bastardy statute is an old law that punished unwed fathers for not supporting their child. These laws were unfair because they only punished fathers and not mothers. They are now considered unconstitutional and cannot be enforced.

Example: In the past, if a woman had a child out of wedlock, she could accuse the father of not supporting the child. The father would then be punished under the bastardy statute. However, if the mother did not name the father, she could be punished instead. This law was unfair because it only punished fathers and not mothers.

Example: Today, there are no bastardy statutes in the United States. Instead, both parents are responsible for supporting their child, regardless of whether they are married or not. This is a fairer system because it holds both parents accountable for their child's well-being.