Legal Definitions - assultus premeditatus

Assultus premeditatus is a Latin term that refers to premeditated assault. It is also known as assault purpensé. Assault is a criminal act that involves the threat or use of force on another person that causes them to fear imminent harm or offensive contact.

For example, if someone threatens to hit another person, that can be considered assault. If someone actually hits another person, that is battery. If someone plans to hit another person and carries out that plan, it is premeditated assault or assultus premeditatus.

Assault can also be aggravated, meaning it is accompanied by circumstances that make it more severe, such as the use of a deadly weapon. Assault with a deadly weapon is a serious crime that can result in felony charges.

Other types of assault include sexual assault, which involves non-consensual sexual contact, and civil assault, which is considered a tort rather than a crime.