Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: Mayhem
Definition: Mayhem is a serious crime that involves intentionally hurting someone in a way that disables or disfigures them. This used to be a crime that was punished by law, but in some places, it is no longer considered a crime. In some places, it is still a crime if the injury is permanent and causes disfigurement.
Mayhem is a serious crime that was recognized in common law. It involves intentionally causing harm to someone by dismembering them or disabling a part of their body that is useful for fighting. In some states, it also includes causing permanent disfigurement.
These examples illustrate how mayhem involves causing serious and permanent harm to someone's body. It is not just about hurting someone in a fight, but about disabling them in a way that affects their ability to defend themselves in the future.