Incest is marriage or sexual relations between close relatives. The criminal offense of incest may also be known as prohibited sexual conduct. Laws vary from state to state, but incest laws generally prohibit marriage or sexual relations between (1) a person’s ancestor or descendant by blood or adoption; (2) a person’s current or former stepchild or stepparent; (3) a person’s parent’s brother or sister of the whole or half blood; (4) a person’s brother or sister of the whole or half blood or by adoption; (5) the children of a person’s brother or sister of the whole or half blood, or by adoption; or (6) the son or daughter of a person’s aunt or uncle of the whole or half blood or by adoption.

Lack of consent to sexual relations between such relatives is not an element of the crime, and persons may be guilty of the crime even if both parties consented.

Laws regarding incest or prohibited sexual contact vary from state to state and are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code. The crime is a felony offense in many states, with potential punishment of significant jail or prison time.

In Mississippi, incest is defined as marriage or sexual relations between close relatives, and it is considered a criminal offense. Under Mississippi law, incestuous marriages are void and sexual relations between close relatives are prohibited. This includes ancestors and descendants by blood or adoption, siblings of the whole or half blood or by adoption, and certain other close familial relationships. Consent is not a defense to the charge of incest, meaning that individuals can be charged with the crime even if both parties consented to the sexual relationship. Incest is a felony in Mississippi, and those convicted may face severe penalties, including imprisonment. The specific statutes governing incest can be found in the Mississippi Code, particularly within the sections dealing with marriage regulations and criminal offenses.