DIVORCE LAWS IN AMERICA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3383, 25 November 1911, Page 4

DIVORCE LAWS IN AMERICA.

REFORMS WANTED. The variety of divorce laws in the United States has led to a general demand on the part of social reformers for a uniform system of law, and fresh impetus has been given to the movement by the announcement that President Taft intends to make the question one of the foremost on 'his programme of reforms. The following paragraph from an American paper gives some idea of the diversity of the divorce la ws :

Divorce is obtainable; in every State and territory of the United States with the exception of South Carolina. There have been only six years—from 1572 to 1878 —in which a divorce could be obtained in South Carolina.

In 23 States separation from lied and board is allowed. In seven jurisdictions the courts are authorised to decree separate maintenance —practically the same as separation from bed and board. The number of legal causes of divorce varies from one, in New York, idistrict of Columbia, and practically North Carolina, to 14 in New Hampshire. Forty-two States declare drunkenness sufficient cause for divorce. Failure to provide for wife and family is recognised by 21 States. In 18 States no restraint is placed upon the immediate remarriage of either party. Elsewhere restrictions are upon one or both of the ]>ersons, either as a penalty or to allow time for proemlings for appeal.