cruelty

The intentional and malicious infliction of physical or mental suffering upon living creatures, particularly human beings; or, as applied to the latter, the wanton, malicious, and unnecessary infliction of pain upon the body, or the feelings and emotions; abusive treatment; inhumanity; outrage. Chiefly used in the law of divorce, in such phrases as "cruel and abusive treatment," "cruel and barbarous treatment," or "cruel and inhuman treatment" (q.v.). In domestic relations, term includes mental injury as well as physical. Williams v. Williams, 351 Mich. 210, 213, 88 N.W.2d 483, 484.

Generally, single act of cruelty is not sufficient for divorce-there must be course of cruel conduct over period of time, Richardson v. Richardson, 258 S.C. 135, 187 S.E.2d 528.

This ground for divorce is of limited importance with the enactment by most states of no-fault divorce laws.

See also legal cruelty

- mental anguish

- mental cruelly

@ cruelty to animals

The infliction of physical pain, suffering, or death upon an animal, when not necessary for purposes of training or discipline or (in the case of death) to procure food or to release the animal from incurable suffering, but done wantonly, for mere sport, for the indulgence of a cruel and vindictive temper, or with reckless indifference to its pain. A person commits a misdemeanor if he purposely or recklessly:

(1) subjects any animal to cruel mistreatment; or

(2) subjects any animal in his custody to cruel neglect; or

(3) kills or injures any animal belonging to another without legal privilege or consent of the owner. Model Penal Code, No. 250.11

@ cruelty to children

Most jurisdictions have "battered child" statutes in which both emotional and physical injuries are embraced in the term "cruelty."

See also child abuse

Legal cruelty.

See legal cruelty

@