1. Objectifs

Intentions :
Cet article explore la problématique de la bigamie au Canada.

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
The author analyses «412 prosecuted or suspected cases of bigamy in Halifax (Nova-Scotia), Montreal (Quebec) and Edmonton (Alberta) judicial jurisdictions between 1812 and 1969». (p. 170)

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

«In sum, analyzing prosecuted or suspected cases of bigamy, and focusing on the double-lifer cases, one sees that there is a gap between the popular image and the Canadian historical reality. The fascination with the double lifer is a recent trend, while the confusion between bigamy and polygamy stems mostly from the uneasiness with the particular practice of a Mormon sect. Nineteenth and twentieth century Canadians did not find it extraordinary to read about women bigamists probably because the nature of the crime has changed. Most bigamists remarried either because their spouses abandoned them, or because there was an understanding between the partners that their union was terminated, even if they did not make it official with a divorce.» (p. 176)