If there’s a victory here it’s a capital “V” Victory against becoming involved in any domestic relationship. People who argued this case might well have wished they made this a larger point.
Remember that quaint bit of crap about sanctity of marriage, a special relationship, in which spouses couldn’t be compelled to testify against each other because of the importance of family. It seems special isn’t so special anymore.
Exactly.
And as a result, my advice to young men is to not allow a woman to so much as move a toothbrush into your bathroom. When she comes over to spend the night, make sure she leaves with all her crap in the morning.
If she protests, tell her that’s how all the women on the roster get treated.
Spouses still cannot be compelled to testify against each other but, at least in federal court, they are permitted to testify against each other. So the moral is don't get your spouse mad enough at you that s/he will waive the privilege.
Also, there isn't (and never was) a privilege for people who live together but aren't legally married. This defendant was convicted of injuring a girlfriend, not a wife.
The key words there are, "can't be compelled". Your spouse can testify against you if he/she wants to.
Piss off your spouse enough and he/she certainly will testify.