def. of cousins

[helopookie]

No: HPFGUIDX 63746

Terry LJ wrote:

"And here's a question that my extended family has never been able to 
settle:  A and B are brothers.  They each have a son, respectively C 
and D, 
who are first cousins.  C and D each have a son also, respectively E 
and F.  
I say that E and F (same generation)  are "second cousins".  I say 
that 
C 
and F (different generations) or D and E (different generations) are 
"first 
cousins once removed"."

Ben writes:
 The way I have always known is different yet.  C and D are first 
cousins.  The offspring of D (in this example, F) and C would be 
second cousins, and vice versa with D and E.  E and F are third 
cousins.  This is the way Ohio views this matter as there is a law 
prohibiting marriage to anyone closer than a third cousin.  So while 
we may think the purebloods are a bit incestuous, it may well be 
within the limits of normalcy (at least in the state of Ohio).  I'm 
not sure if this is also true within the UK, or even other states.

~b

ADMIN Note:  If you wish to respond to make a point about extended families, intermarriage or incest laws generally, please post it on OT-Chatter unless you're going to relate that information to the HP books.  Thanks!