US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

                                  TITLE  18
                            CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS
                                  CHAPTER 4
                ABANDONMENT OR NONSUPPORT OF WIFE OR CHILDREN
    18-405.  RULES OF EVIDENCE. No other evidence shall be required to prove
marriage of such husband and wife, or that such person is the lawful father or
mother of such child or children, than is or shall be required to prove such
facts in a civil action. In all prosecutions under this act, any existing
provisions of law prohibiting the disclosure of confidential communications
between husband and wife, shall not apply, and both husband and wife shall be
competent witnesses to testify for or against each other to any and all
relevant matters, including the fact of such marriage and the parentage of
such child or children. Proof of the desertion of such wife, child or children
in destitute or necessitous circumstances or of neglect to furnish such wife,
child, or children necessary and proper food, clothing or shelter is prima
facie evidence that such desertion or neglect is wilful.