Cruelty
/ˈkruːəlti/
Definitions
- (n.) Intentional infliction of suffering or harm on others, especially in contexts of law relating to treatment of persons or animals.
The defendant was charged with cruelty to animals due to severe neglect.
- (n.) In criminal law, behavior causing serious physical or psychological harm, often relevant to sentencing or abuse statutes.
The court considered the cruelty of the act when determining the sentence.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Cruelty often appears in statutory language relating to abuse or maltreatment; precision is important as its legal scope varies by jurisdiction.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.