What is the definition of assault in legal terms?

In legal terms, assault is defined as the intentional act of attempting to touch or threaten the body of another person without their consent. This definition encompasses not only the actual physical contact but also the intention to create a fear of such contact. For an act to be classified as assault, there must be a clear intention by the perpetrator to inflict harm or to create a reasonable apprehension of imminent harm in the victim. This understanding derives from both common law principles and modern statutory definitions, which focus on the mental state of the assailant along with their actions.

The intricacy of this definition highlights that simple touching without consent alone does not constitute assault; the intent behind the act plays a crucial role. Furthermore, the legal implications surrounding assault typically extend beyond just physical contact, emphasizing the importance of intent and context within legal scenarios.