Terrell v. State

86 Tenn. 523, 8 S.W. 212 (1888)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

Terrell (D) struck a prosecutor in the eye with a brick, causing him to lose sight in that eye. The prosecutor was already blind in one eye, and the blow rendered him completely blind. D was indicted for mayhem. Mayhem was defined as bodily injury that renders a man less able in fighting to defend himself or annoy his adversary; but if the injury be such as disfigures him only, without diminishing his corporeal abilities, it does not fall within the crime of mayhem. D requested a jury instruction for specific intent only. D was denied, and he was convicted. D appealed.