Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous
crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except
in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when
in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any
person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of
life or limb.
(from US Constitution – 5th and 14th Amendments)
The state ensures security of life, limb and property.
(from Wikipedia, Tractatus Theologico-Politicus)
What's the meaning of the word "limb" in the sentence above?
Definition of LIMB (source: Merriam-Webster)
1 a : one of the projecting paired appendages (as wings) of an animal
body used especially for movement and grasping but sometimes modified
into sensory or sexual organs b : a leg or arm of a human being2 : a large primary branch of a tree
3 : an active member or agent
4 : extension, branch
5 : a mischievous child
The definitions I found in dictionary don't match or correspond well.
I guess there was somewhat a expansion of the meaning of limb, which is a body or physical freedom.
Best Answer
A member of the human body. In the phrase "life and limb," the latter term appears to denote bodily integrity in general; but in the definition of "mayhem" it refers only to those members or parts of the body which may be useful to a man in fighting. 1 Bl. Comm. 130.
Law Dictionary: What is LIMB? definition of LIMB (Black's Law Dictionary)
Life or Limb The phrase within the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, commonly known as the Double Jeopardy Clause, that provides, "nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb," pursuant to which there can be no second prosecution after a first trial for the same offense. The words life or limb are not interpreted strictly; they apply to any criminal penalty.
West's Encyclopedia of American Law, edition 2. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
LIMBS. Those members of a man which may be useful to him in flight, and the unlawful deprivation of which by another amounts to a mayhem at common law. 1 Bl. Com. 130. If a man, se defendendo, commit homicide, he will be excused; and if he enter into an apparent contract, under a well-grounded apprehension of losing his life or limbs, he may afterwards avoid it. 1 Bl. 130. A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.