How is strangulation defined in legal terms?

Strangulation is defined in legal terms as the obstruction of airways and blood supply. This definition encompasses the crucial elements of the act, which typically involves applying pressure to the neck area in a manner that hinders or restricts both breathing and circulation. When discussing strangulation, legal statutes often focus on the physical mechanisms involved, which can include various forms of asphyxiation and the potential for serious injury or death due to lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain. This definition is vital in both criminal charges and legal ramifications, as it underscores the severity of strangulation as a violent act that poses significant risk to health and life.

Other definitions provided, while they may seem relevant, do not capture the full legal context and implications associated with the term "strangulation." Interference with breathing alone does not necessarily include the impact on blood supply, which is a critical aspect of the legal definition. Physical harm through suffocation and assault with intent to kill do not fully encompass the specific mechanics of strangulation, making them less accurate in a legal framework.