S.20 GBH/WOUNDING

• Introduction:

  Contained in S.20 Offences Against the Person Act 1861

  • there are 2 offences in S.20: GBH and wounding

  Interpretated the definition to mean 'causing GBH or wounding'
• Actus Reus for S.20 GBH/wounding:

  GBH: serious harm ( Smith;Saunders )

  • broken bones, permanent damage, injuries to organs
  • serious psychiatric injuries ( Burstow )
  • serious infections ( Dica )

  Wound: any break in the continuity of the skin ( Eisenhower )

  • it has to be bleeding
• Mens Rea for S.20 GBH/wounding:

  Mens rea for it is 'intention or recklessness as to causing some harm' ( Cunningham )

  • the D does not have to intend the serious levels of injury;some harm is sufficient