To injure or wound seriously and leave permanent disfiguration or mutilation.
In UK law, “maim” refers to the intentional or reckless act of causing severe injury or permanent disfigurement to another person, often resulting in the loss of a limb, organ, or significant bodily function. Maiming is considered a serious criminal offence and is typically prosecuted under various statutes such as the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 or the Criminal Justice Act 1988. Depending on the severity of the injury and the intent behind the act, maiming charges may range from grievous bodily harm (GBH) to causing grievous bodily harm with intent, with corresponding penalties including imprisonment. The legal system treats cases of maiming with gravity due to the lasting physical and psychological impact on the victim.
Wound or injure (someone) so that part of the body is permanently damaged.
v. to inflict a serious bodily injury, including mutilation or any harm which limits the victim’s ability to function physically. Originally, in English common law it meant to cut off or permanently cripple a body part like an arm, leg, hand or foot. In criminal law, such serious harm becomes an “aggravated” assault, which is a felony subject to a prison term.
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
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