Clough v. Clough

The plaintiff’s case is bottomed upon that part of our divorce laws found in section 598.8, subsection 5, of the Code of 1954. We quote the applicable section and subsection herewith:

“598.8 Causes.

“Divorces from the bonds of matrimony may be decreed against the husband for the following causes: * * *

“5. When he is guilty of such inhuman treatment as to endanger the life of his wife.”

I. This exact language in our divorce statutes is found in the Code of 1851 and has been a part of our law at all times since, with the exception of the period from January 24, 1855, to March 15, 1858. During all…