Canadian Criminal Law/Offences/Aggravated Assault

Legislation 268. (1) Every one commits an aggravated assault who wounds, maims, disfigures or endangers the life of the complainant. ... Excision (3) For greater certainty, in this section, “wounds” or “maims” includes to excise, infibulate or mutilate, in whole or in part, the labia majora, labia minora or clitoris of a person, except where (a) a surgical procedure is performed, by a person duly qualified by provincial law to practise medicine, for the benefit of the physical health of the person or for the purpose of that person having normal reproductive functions or normal sexual appearance or function; or (b) the person is at least eighteen years of age and there is no resulting bodily harm. Consent (4) For the purposes of this section and section 265, no consent to the excision, infibulation or mutilation, in whole or in part, of the labia majora, labia minora or clitoris of a person is valid, except in the cases described in paragraphs (3)(a) and (b). CCC Proof of Offence In addition to the essential elements of time, location, and identity, the prosecution should also prove: that an assault occurred (e.g. intentional application of force with no consent) the injuries sustained the injuries amounted to the victim being (See Injuries): wounded, maimed, disfigured, or had life endangered that there was no provocation Interpretation "Wound" refers to any break in the skin.R. v. Littletent, 1985 ABCA 22 (CanLII), AJ No. 256 "Maiming" refers to "a hurt to the body that causes a person to be less able to fight".R. v. Schultz, [1962] 133 C.C.C. 174 (Alta. S.C. App. Div.) This includes breaking of bones. "Disfigure" refers to injuries that amount to "more than a temporary marring of the figure or appearance". R. v. Innes and Brotchie, [1972] 7 C.C.C. (2d) 544 (B.C.C.A.) 2 Endangering life The "endangerment" of life refers to the consequence of the injuries received (a product of wounds, maiming or disfigurement) and not simply the risk created by accused assaultive behaviour. No injuries are not necessary.R. v. De Freitas 1999 CanLII 14071 (MB CA) at 11 and 12 2 Discharging a firearm Where the aggravated assault arises from the discharge of a firearm, the crown must prove:R. v. Foti, 2002 MBCA 122 (CanLII) that the accused intentionally applied force or intentionally threatened to apply while having the ability to carry it out; that a reasonable person in the accused's position would have been able to foresee that pointing or firing the firearm would subject the victim to a risk of bodily harm; and that actual wounding, maiming, or disfigurement resulted. 2 Common Defences Self-Defence Defence of Another Defence of Property Reflex