Mayhem, or to maim, is a felony at common law. Mayhem usually requires a general intent to maim or cause bodily harm accompanied by an unlawful act of physical force that either permanently dismembered the victim or disabled the use of some part of their body.
The specific requirements for mayhem vary by jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions require specific intent to maim rather than general intent.
The nature of a mayhem injury may also vary by jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions require a body part to be severed while others only require a part of the body being disabled or disfigured.
[Last updated in July of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]