In a legal context, “cruelty” typically refers to the intentional infliction of physical or mental harm, suffering, or abuse upon another person or animal. It can encompass various forms of mistreatment, including physical violence, emotional abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Cruelty may be prosecuted as a criminal offence, depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the conduct involved. Laws against cruelty are intended to protect individuals and animals from harm and to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. In addition to criminal penalties, civil remedies may also be available to victims of cruelty, such as restraining orders, compensation for damages, or orders for the perpetrator to cease abusive behaviour. The legal definition and consequences of cruelty vary depending on the specific laws and regulations of each jurisdiction.
a cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering
- uncountable An indifference to suffering or positive pleasure in inflicting suffering.
- countable A cruel act.
n. the intentional and malicious infliction of physical or psychological pain on another. In most US states, various forms of “cruelty,” “extreme cruelty,” and/or “mental cruelty” used to be grounds for divorce if proved. This brought about a lot of unnecessary (and sometimes exaggerated or false) derogatory (nasty) testimony about the other party. There was little standardisation of what constituted sufficient “cruelty” to prove a divorce should be granted. Starting in the 1960s, “no-fault” divorce (sometimes now called “dissolution“) began to replace contentious divorces in most states, so that incompatibility became good enough grounds for granting a divorce.
Any act of inflicting unnecessary emotional or physical pain. Cruelty or mental cruelty is the most frequently used fault ground for divorce because, as a practical matter, courts will accept minor wrongs or disagreements as sufficient evidence of cruelty to justify the divorce.
Cruelty refers to behaviour that causes pain, suffering, or harm to others, whether it be humans or animals, intentionally or negligently.
Cruelty can manifest in various forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, or verbal abuse, neglect, exploitation, or inhumane treatment.
Some examples of cruelty towards animals include neglecting their basic needs such as food, water, and shelter; physical abuse; abandonment; confinement in inadequate conditions; or subjecting them to harmful practices like dogfighting or animal testing.
Domestic cruelty or abuse involves abusive behaviour within familial or intimate relationships, such as spousal or partner abuse, child abuse, elder abuse, or abuse of vulnerable individuals within the household.
Yes, animal cruelty is a crime in most jurisdictions. Laws vary, but generally, it is illegal to intentionally harm, neglect, or abuse animals.
Many jurisdictions have laws and regulations in place to protect animals from cruelty, including animal welfare laws, anti-cruelty statutes, and penalties for those who engage in abusive behaviour towards animals.
Penalties for animal cruelty can vary depending on the severity of the offence and the jurisdiction. They may include fines, imprisonment, probation, mandatory counselling, or a combination of these.
Some of the signs of cruelty or abuse in humans can include physical injuries, bruises, cuts, or fractures; changes in behaviour; emotional distress; social withdrawal; fearfulness; or reluctance to disclose abuse.
If you suspect cruelty or abuse towards animals, you can report it to local animal control authorities, humane societies, or law enforcement agencies. Similarly, if you suspect cruelty or abuse towards humans, you can report it to child protective services, adult protective services, or the police.
Yes, cruelty can be prosecuted as a criminal offence, depending on the severity and circumstances of the abuse. Individuals found guilty of cruelty may face criminal charges, fines, imprisonment, or other penalties.
Cruelty can have profound psychological effects on victims, including trauma, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), low self-esteem, and difficulties forming healthy relationships.
Preventing cruelty requires a multi-faceted approach, including education and awareness campaigns, enforcement of laws and regulations, support for victims, promoting empathy and compassion, and addressing root causes such as social inequality and systemic violence.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 11th April, 2024.
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