Fornication is sexual intercourse between an unmarried man and woman. Fornication still remains a misdemeanor in some states, as is adultery, but is almost never prosecuted. Other states have stricken such laws from their books, finding that they violate the right to privacy guaranteed by the federal or state constitution.

The following is an example of a state law dealing with fornication:

" Fornication - Any person, not being married, who voluntarily shall have sexual intercourse with any other person, shall be guilty of fornication, punishable as a Class 4 misdemeanor. "