Legal Definitions - assault and battery

Assault and battery is a legal term that combines two separate charges: assault and battery. Assault is when someone causes another person to fear that they will be harmed. Battery is when someone physically harms another person.

For example, if someone threatens to punch another person, that is assault. If they actually punch the person, that is battery. Assault and battery can refer to both criminal charges and civil charges.

Assault and battery can also refer to a variety of different actions that cause harm. For example, if someone intentionally hits another person with their car, that could be considered assault and battery.

It's important to note that assault and battery are separate charges, but they are often charged together because they are related.