Assaults

Assault is a term used in criminal law and civil law to describe an intentional act that threatens or causes harm to another person. In many legal systems, assault may involve either the attempt to inflict harm or the creation of a reasonable fear that such harm will occur, even if no physical contact occurs. Some jurisdictions distinguish assault from battery, with battery referring to actual unwanted physical contact; others treat assault and battery as a single offense.

Common forms of assault include physical assault, aggravated assault (typically involving a weapon or serious injury), sexual assault (including non-consensual sexual contact), and domestic violence-related assault. Some systems also address attempts at assault or classify offenses by severity, such as simple or aggravated assault. The use of a weapon, the presence of multiple assailants, or the perpetrator’s prior history can elevate an offense to a more serious category.

Legal consequences vary widely by jurisdiction but commonly include criminal penalties such as fines, probation, and imprisonment. In addition, offenders may face restraining orders, protective orders, or mandatory counseling programs. Civil-law remedies may also apply, including damages for physical injuries, emotional distress, or economic losses resulting from the assault. Reporting requirements and mandatory prosecutors’ actions can be triggered by certain contexts, such as domestic violence or sexual assault.

Defenses to assault can include self-defense, defense of others, consent in certain contexts, or lack of intent or reasonable fear. The terminology and definitions of assault differ across legal systems, and some places use the term to describe only threats or attempted harm, while others treat it as synonymous with or broader than the concept of battery.