Legal Definitions - plurium defense

Definition: Plurium defense is a legal defense used in paternity suits where the mother had multiple sexual partners around the time of conception. The defense argues that the mother cannot prove that only the defendant could be the child's father. In some jurisdictions, it is also known as the exceptio plurium concubentium defense.

Examples:

• A man is sued for child support by a woman who had multiple sexual partners around the time of conception. The man uses the plurium defense to argue that the mother cannot prove that he is the father.
• In the past, juries or judges who believed that the mother was promiscuous would accept the plurium defense to dismiss the case.

The examples illustrate how the plurium defense is used in paternity suits to challenge the mother's claim that the defendant is the father of the child. The defense argues that the mother had multiple sexual partners, making it impossible to prove that the defendant is the father.