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Simple English definitions for legal terms
connivance
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A quick definition of connivance:
Connivance is a defense used in divorce cases when one spouse is accused of cheating or other sexual misconduct. It means that the other spouse gave permission or encouraged the behavior. This defense is not used as much now that there are easier ways to get a divorce. Connivance can also mean when someone knows about a bad thing happening but doesn't try to stop it or even secretly wants it to happen.
A more thorough explanation:
Connivance is a legal defense used in divorce cases where one spouse is accused of adultery or other sexual misconduct. The defense argues that the other spouse consented to the behavior.
For example, if a husband arranges for his wife to have an affair and then uses that as grounds for divorce, the wife could use connivance as a defense.
The defense is based on the idea that a person cannot claim to be injured by an act they consented to. The consent can be either expressed or implied, but it must be corrupt.
However, if a spouse merely knows of the other's adultery but is unable to stop it, or they know of the adultery and let it continue to obtain proof for the divorce, there is usually no connivance.
Connivance can also refer to when a person ignores another person's wrongful act or implicitly consents to its commission in bad faith.
Overall, connivance is a defense used in divorce cases where one spouse is accused of sexual misconduct and argues that the other spouse consented to the behavior.