Mayhem
A felony at common law. Required an intent to maim or do bodily harm accompanied by an act that either dismembered the victim or disabled her or her use of some part of the body that is useful for fighting. Abolished in some states. In some states, extended to include permanent disfigurement.
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary
Historically, injuring someone's body (particularly by depriving him of the use of his arms, legs, eyes, or other body parts), in a way that makes him less able to fight or defend himself. Modern law treats such acts as an aggravated battery. (See also: aggravated battery)
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
August 19, 2010, 5:19 pm
