Coventry Act

The common name for the statute 22 & 23 Car. II. c. 1,— It having been enacted in consequence of an assault on Sir John Coventry in the street, and slitting his nose, in revenge, as was supposed, for some obnoxious words uttered by him in parliament By this statute it is enacted that if any person shall, of malice aforethought, and by lying in wait, unlawfully cut or disable the tongue, put out an eye, slit the nose, cut off the nose or lip, or cut off or disable any limb or member, of any other person, with intent to maim or disfigure him, such person, his counsellors, aiders, and abettors, shall be guilty of felony without benefit of clergy. The act was repealed by 9 Geo. IV. c.

31.