Which of the following is an element of mayhem?

• A. Cut or mutilate the bodily member
• B. The offender intentionally did not intend harm
• C. The act was accidental
• D. The victim did not suffer GBH

Answer: (A)

Mayhem is defined by causing a permanent disfigurement or disabling injury to a body part. The most direct way this is described is when someone cuts or mutilates a bodily member—the act targets and permanently affects a part of the body, which is the hallmark of mayhem. Without that level of permanent harm or disfigurement, the offense does not fit.

The other statements don’t fit because mayhem hinges on deliberate, serious harm to a body part; claiming no intent to harm, or that the act was accidental, or that the victim did not suffer a truly severe injury (GBH) would not meet that high threshold of harm and intent.