Opinion ID: 1933129
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Can Sexual Conduct Constitute Cruel and Inhuman Treatment?

Text: The trial court's findings of fact included the following: Fifth. That the defendant has been guilty of a course of cruel and inhuman treatment towards the plaintiff entitling her to an absolute divorce, more specifically, that the defendant was of a fault finding nature particularly with the plaintiff; that he was critical of her actions, of her attempts to perform her function as a mother; that further the defendant made abnormal sexual demands upon the plaintiff. The defendant contends that his sexual conduct was not abnormal, and that, even if the conduct was considered to be abnormal, sexual activity between married persons without the use of force, violence or brutality could not constitute cruel and inhuman treatment. This argument can only be construed as a claim that the evidence does not support a finding of cruel and inhuman treatment. No useful purpose would be served in detailing the sexual conduct which the wife complains of. We think the briefs overstate the importance of the sexual conduct to this divorce proceeding. We agree with the husband's contention that sexual activity between married people, without the use of force, violence or brutality, could not constitute cruel and inhuman treatment. Here the sexual conduct complained of was engaged in by both parties during their marriage for many years. As far as evaluating the testimony, the wife's claim that her participation was without consent is unbelievable. However, even putting aside entirely the sexual conduct involved in this case, the record still supports the finding of cruel and inhuman treatment. The record indicates that the defendant constantly found fault with the plaintiff, that he continually criticized and embarrassed her in the presence of others, and that he was a domineering and uncompromising person. The wife's testimony was corroborated by two of her children and by a neighbor. Although it should be noted that this record contains a bare minimum of evidence necessary to support a finding of cruel and inhuman treatment, the evidence is indeed there. The trial court's finding was not against the great weight and clear preponderance of the evidence. By the Court. Judgment reversed, and cause remanded for further proceedings as indicated in the opinion. No costs allowed on this appeal. BEILFUSS, J. ( dissenting ). I agree with the opinion of the majority that the findings of fact are not sufficient to support the conclusion of law and judgment and, therefore, agree the judgment should be reversed. From a review of the record and the emphasis of counsel in this appeal it appears the basic complaint was the claimed abnormal sexual conduct on the part of the husband. I also agree that sexual conduct participated in by the complainant for several years without objection cannot constitute cruel and inhuman treatment. Because this element probably played a dominant role in the proof offered by the parties and in the formulation of the findings of fact by the trial court, I would reverse the judgment and order a new trial in the interests of justice under the authority of sec. 251.09, Stats.