Criminal Law
Trespass to Person (Assault)
An act that causes a person to reasonably apprehend imminent use of criminal force against them, even without actual physical contact occurring.
Assault, in the strict legal sense, doesn't require actual physical contact — a gesture or preparation that reasonably makes someone fear imminent harm can itself constitute assault, distinct from the actual use of force, which is a separate offence.
Both assault and the use of criminal force are typically charged together where an incident escalates from a mere threat to actual physical contact.
Need a Criminal lawyer?
Browse Criminal Lawyers