South Dakota legal term
Serious mental injury in South Dakota Criminal Law
Current through 2026 South Dakota legislative session
In South Dakota criminal law, “Serious mental injury” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the South Dakota criminal code.
What does “Serious mental injury” mean in South Dakota criminal law?
(2) "Serious mental injury," a condition that results in a substantial alteration of mental functioning that is manifested in a visibly demonstrable manner caused by or resulting from: (a) The intentional infliction or threatened infliction of serious bodily injury; (b) The administration or application, or threatened administration or application, of mind-altering substances or other procedures calculated to disrupt the senses or the personality; or (c) The threat of imminent death. (SDCL § 22-49-6)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.