This week I learned something new—”alienation of affection.”
“Alienation of affection” is a common law tort (a civil wrong) that allows a spouse to sue a third party for intentionally interfering with their marriage, which resulted in the loss or destruction of love, affection, and companionship from their spouse.
In the interesting North Carolina court case Montague v. Kennard, which ended this week, the jury reached a verdict that Kennard was ordered to pay $1.75 million in damages to Montague for “alienation of affection” and “criminal conversation.” In simple words, Kennard was found to have intentionally “stolen” Montague’s husband, and now has to pay the price.
My first thought when I came across this news item was: such a thing exists? Is it possible to go to court for such a thing?
Apparently, these torts are labeled as “outdated” and may be repealed in the near future. But this particular case has lived rent-free in my mind.
I have been thinking: was this worth it? For an earthly love? For a love that is not eternal? I do not mean to trivialize any love relationship, and I might not “get” some things. But why go to such lengths for someone who is not yours at any price?
This case has me reflect on earthly justice and God’s justice. It hit me: $1.75 million is not a few cents; it’s a tremendous amount. That is only earthly justice, but what would God’s justice look like if we truly left vengeance to Him? Does it pinch like $1.75 million?,
