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Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow § 12.: Security to limb and body—General statement.— - A Treatise on State and Federal Control of Persons and Property in the United States considered from both a Civil and Criminal Standpoint, vol. 1

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Subject Area: Law
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

§ 12.: Security to limb and body—General statement.— - Christopher G. Tiedeman, A Treatise on State and Federal Control of Persons and Property in the United States considered from both a Civil and Criminal Standpoint, vol. 1 [1900]

Edition used:

A Treatise on State and Federal Control of Persons and Property in the United States considered from both a Civil and Criminal Standpoint (St. Louis: The F.H. Thomas Law Book Co., 1900). Vol. 1.

Part of: A Treatise on State and Federal Control of Persons and Property in the United States considered from both a Civil and Criminal Standpoint, 2 vols.

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§ 12.

Security to limb and body—General statement.—

This right is as valuable, and as jealously guarded against violation, as the primary right to life. Not only does it involve protection against actual bodily injuries, but it also includes an immunity from the unsuccessful attempts to inflict bodily injuries, a protection against assaults, as well as batteries. This protection against the hostile threats of bodily injury is as essential to one’s happiness as immunity from actual battery.2 But however high an estimate may be placed generally upon this right of personal security of limb and body, there are cases in which the needs of society require a sacrifice of the right; usually, however, where the wrongful acts of the person whose personal security is invaded, have subjected him to the possibility of forfeiture of any right as a penalty for wrong-doing.

[2]“Without such security society loses most of its value. Peace and order and domestic happiness, inexpressibly more precious than mere forms of government, cannot be enjoyed without the sense of perfect security.” Gilchrist, J., in Beach v. Hancock, 27 N. H. 223.