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2 Jan 2026
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Understanding S18 and S20 GBH: Cases, Sentences, and Differences
Demetra
@demetra_21
Wounding: Case Law and Mens Rea
This page delves deeper into the legal interpretation of wounding through case law and explores the mens rea (mental element) for both Section 20 and Section 18 GBH.
Example: In JJC v Eisenhower (1983), it was held that internal bleeding without a cut to the skin does not constitute a wound.
Example: R v Wood (1830) established that a broken bone without skin breakage is not considered a wound.
The mens rea of GBH s20 is explained using the term "maliciously", which was interpreted in Cunningham 1957:
- It requires either an intention to cause some level of harm or recklessness as to whether some harm was caused.
- There's no need to intend serious harm or a wound, only the mens rea for some harm is required.
Highlight: For Section 20, the defendant does not need to foresee the specific injury that occurred.
The mens rea of GBH s18 is more stringent:
- Mere intention to wound is not sufficient.
- The defendant must intend to cause grievous bodily harm or to resist/prevent lawful apprehension.
Example: In R v Taylor (2009), the Court of Appeal quashed a Section 18 conviction because intention to wound was not enough; the defendant must have intended "really serious harm".
Highlight: Recklessness is not enough for the mens rea of Section 18; only intention will suffice, as stated in Saunders.
The page concludes with another case example, R v Morrison (1989), which further illustrates the prosecution's burden of proof in Section 18 cases.
Wounding - Section 20 and Section 18 Offences
This page provides an overview of wounding offences under Section 18 and Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. It defines wounding and outlines the key elements of both offences, including their actus reus (physical elements) and potential sentences.
Definition: A wound is defined as "a cut or a break in the continuity of the whole skin with blood loss".
The page distinguishes between Section 20 GBH (Grievous Bodily Harm) and Section 18 wounding with intent:
- Section 20 carries a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment.
- Section 18, often referred to as "wounding with intent", can result in life imprisonment.
The actus reus of both offences consists of three elements:
- Unlawful act
- Infliction (causation)
- Malicious wound
Highlight: For an act to be unlawful, there must be no consent and the action must not be in self-defense.
The page provides two important case examples illustrating the concept of unlawfulness:
Example: In Rumelin (2019), consent to a Botox injection by an unqualified person was not considered valid consent.
Example: In R v BM (2018), consent was not a valid defense for body modifications that resulted in GBH under Section 18.
The concept of infliction, also known as causation, is briefly explained, emphasizing the need to establish both factual and legal causation.
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Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding S18 and S20 GBH: Cases, Sentences, and Differences
Demetra
@demetra_21
Section 18 wounding with intent and Section 20 GBH are serious offences under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, with significant legal distinctions and potential sentences.
- S18 OAPAinvolves intentional wounding or causing grievous bodily harm, carrying a maximum... Show more
Wounding: Case Law and Mens Rea
This page delves deeper into the legal interpretation of wounding through case law and explores the mens rea (mental element) for both Section 20 and Section 18 GBH.
Example: In JJC v Eisenhower (1983), it was held that internal bleeding without a cut to the skin does not constitute a wound.
Example: R v Wood (1830) established that a broken bone without skin breakage is not considered a wound.
The mens rea of GBH s20 is explained using the term "maliciously", which was interpreted in Cunningham 1957:
- It requires either an intention to cause some level of harm or recklessness as to whether some harm was caused.
- There's no need to intend serious harm or a wound, only the mens rea for some harm is required.
Highlight: For Section 20, the defendant does not need to foresee the specific injury that occurred.
The mens rea of GBH s18 is more stringent:
- Mere intention to wound is not sufficient.
- The defendant must intend to cause grievous bodily harm or to resist/prevent lawful apprehension.
Example: In R v Taylor (2009), the Court of Appeal quashed a Section 18 conviction because intention to wound was not enough; the defendant must have intended "really serious harm".
Highlight: Recklessness is not enough for the mens rea of Section 18; only intention will suffice, as stated in Saunders.
The page concludes with another case example, R v Morrison (1989), which further illustrates the prosecution's burden of proof in Section 18 cases.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Wounding - Section 20 and Section 18 Offences
This page provides an overview of wounding offences under Section 18 and Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. It defines wounding and outlines the key elements of both offences, including their actus reus (physical elements) and potential sentences.
Definition: A wound is defined as "a cut or a break in the continuity of the whole skin with blood loss".
The page distinguishes between Section 20 GBH (Grievous Bodily Harm) and Section 18 wounding with intent:
- Section 20 carries a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment.
- Section 18, often referred to as "wounding with intent", can result in life imprisonment.
The actus reus of both offences consists of three elements:
- Unlawful act
- Infliction (causation)
- Malicious wound
Highlight: For an act to be unlawful, there must be no consent and the action must not be in self-defense.
The page provides two important case examples illustrating the concept of unlawfulness:
Example: In Rumelin (2019), consent to a Botox injection by an unqualified person was not considered valid consent.
Example: In R v BM (2018), consent was not a valid defense for body modifications that resulted in GBH under Section 18.
The concept of infliction, also known as causation, is briefly explained, emphasizing the need to establish both factual and legal causation.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user