Maine legal term
Spouse in Maine Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Maine legislative session
In Maine criminal law, “Spouse” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Maine criminal code.
What does “Spouse” mean in Maine criminal law?
"Spouse" means a person legally married to the actor, but does not include a legally married person living apart from the actor under a defacto separation. (17-A M.R.S. § 251)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Background checks of firearms buyers
- Bigamy
- Dissemination of obscene matter to minors
- Gross sexual assault
- Harassment
- Nonsupport of dependents
- Possession of sexually explicit material
- Protective orders in crimes between family members
- Sexual abuse of minors
- Sexual exploitation of minor
- Sexual misconduct with a child under 14 years of age
- Unlawful sexual contact
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.