Bigamy is the act of marrying one person while being legally married to another. Polygamy is the practice or custom (often religious) of having more than one wife or husband at a time. Most states prohibit a party from having more than one marriage license at a time, and in most states bigamy is a crime.
In New Jersey, bigamy is prohibited under state law. According to New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.) 2C:24-1, a person is guilty of bigamy if they enter into a marriage or civil union when they are already legally married or in a civil union with another person. Bigamy is considered a crime in New Jersey and is classified as a fourth-degree offense. This means that individuals who commit bigamy can face criminal charges and penalties, including potential imprisonment. Polygamy, which involves having more than one spouse simultaneously, is also not legally recognized in New Jersey, and engaging in polygamous relationships can lead to similar legal consequences as bigamy. It's important to note that while religious or cultural practices may differ, the legal framework in New Jersey does not permit multiple concurrent marriages or civil unions.