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Buggery

By Ramon Johnson, About.com

Definition: The crime of anal intercourse between two men or between a man and animal. Adopted into English law by Henry VIII as the Buggery Law of 1533. The term buggery was derived derived from the French bougres, which means "heretical."

American sodomy laws were adopted based on the buggery laws of England. Buggery was punishable by death until 1861 when the penalty was reduced to 10 years to life in prison.
Also Known As: sodomy
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