The revelation that undercover police officers engaged in long-term intimate relationships has met with widespread outcry, triggering a public inquiry and substantial compensation payments from the Metropolitan Police. But whilst the involvement of state actors might make these cases especially egregious, such Systematically Deceptive Relationships (SDRs) are far from the exclusive domain of ‘spy cops’. Historically, bigamy laws helped to deter SDRs, with the aim of protecting women from the reputational harm of extramarital sex. While our changing social norms regarding cohabitation and divorce have decreased the chances of ending up in a bigamous relationship, they have simultaneously increased the chances of ending up in a SDR.

This talk defends a pluralist account of the wrongness of SDRs, looking beyond the wrong of nonconsensual sex that often preoccupies existing discussions. I argue that when the harms of SDRs pass a threshold, there is pro tanto reason to criminalise their infliction. I then consider whether such legislation can avoid overcriminalisation of deception in intimate relationships.

This is an in-person event.

It will be followed by a drinks reception.