Case ID: mass_20/html/0299-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Parker C. J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Pierce versus Pierce.
    A divorce will not be granted for adultery of the wife committed through the hus band’s procurement.
    This was a libel for a divorce a vinculo for adultery committed by the wife.
    
      W. Baylies, Parsons and Russell for the libellant.
    
      H. Cushman and P. B. Hunt for the libellee
   Parker C. J.

A majority of the Court are against granting a divorce. One instance of adultery was proved, but there is reason to think that the husband was the cause of its being committed. It would- be a dangerous principle to establish, that a husband who has suspicions of the infidelity of his wife, shall be allowed to lay a train which may lead her to the commission of adultery, in order that he may take advantage of ‘it to obtain a divorce. As we are clear that the adultery proved was committed with the knowledge and consent of the libellant, and probably with his connivance, a divorce will not be granted.