Actual bodily harm. 'An assault occasioning actual bodily harm' is an offence within s. 47 of the Offences against the Person Act, 1861 (English). On an indictment for an assault occasioning actual bodily harm the accused may be convicted of a common assault, R. v. Oliver, (1860) 30 LJMC 12. A husband, who, whilst suffering from venereal disease, had marital intercourse with his wife and thereby infected her, cannot be convicted under this section, R. v. Clarence, (1888) 22 QBD 23. The expression is also used in the Dangerous Performances Acts, 1879 and 1897. See also BODILY HARM.
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