Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: United States v. Windsor (2013)
Excision: A harmful practice also known as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) that involves cutting or removing one or more female sexual organs. It is mostly practiced in certain tribes in Africa, but also occurs among some immigrant populations in the United States and other Western nations. There are three types of FGM: sunna, excision, and infibulation. Excision involves cutting off the entire clitoris. In the United States, Congress has made FGM illegal and cultural defense cannot be used as an excuse for performing the act.
Excision is a type of female genital mutilation (FGM) where the entire clitoris is cut off. FGM is the act of cutting or removing one or more female sexual organs. It is mostly practiced among certain tribes in Africa, but it also occurs among some immigrant populations in the United States and other Western nations.
There are three commonly identified types of FGM:
In the United States, Congress has made FGM illegal and specifically prohibited the use of a cultural defense for persons accused of performing the act.
Example: A young girl in Africa undergoes excision as part of a cultural tradition. This practice is harmful and can cause severe physical and psychological damage to the girl.
Example: A woman from an immigrant community in the United States is taken to a doctor who performs excision on her. This is illegal and can result in criminal charges for the doctor.
These examples illustrate how excision is a harmful and illegal practice that violates the human rights of women and girls. It is important to raise awareness about FGM and work towards ending this practice worldwide.