What is classified as great bodily harm?

Great bodily harm is a specific legal term that refers to a serious or severe injury that has significant consequences for the victim. The definition encompasses bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death. This level of harm goes beyond minor or moderate injuries and typically indicates a situation where the victim could face life-threatening conditions as a result of the injury.

In legal contexts, distinguishing between varying degrees of injury is crucial, as it influences the severity of charges brought against a perpetrator. For instance, an injury that poses a substantial risk of death often leads to more serious legal consequences than lesser injuries. Therefore, the classification of great bodily harm is fundamentally concerned with the severity and potential life-threatening nature of the injury sustained.