Assault (tort)

In common law, assault is the tort of acting intentionally, that is with either general or specific intent, causing the reasonable apprehension of an immediate harmful or offensive contact. Assault requires intent, it is considered an intentional tort, as opposed to a tort of negligence. Actual ability to carry out the apprehended contact is not necessary. 'The conduct forbidden by this tort is an act that threatens violence.'

Tort law
Part of the common law series
(Outline)
Trespass to the person
Assault Battery False imprisonment Intentional infliction of emotional distress
Property torts
Trespass land chattels Conversion
Dignitary torts
Appropriation Defamation Slander Libel False light Invasion of privacy Intrusion on seclusion Breach of confidence Abuse of process Malicious prosecution Sexual torts Alienation of affections Criminal conversation Seduction Breach of promise
Negligent torts
Negligent infliction of emotional distress Employment-related Entrustment Malpractice legal medical
Principles of negligence
Duty of care Trespassers Licensees Invitees Standard of care Reasonable person Proximate cause Res ipsa loquitur Restitutio ad integrum Rescue doctrine Duty to rescue Comparative responsibility Contributory negligence Attractive nuisance
Strict and absolute liability
Product liability Ultrahazardous activity Deep pockets
Nuisance
Public nuisance Rylands v Fletcher
Economic torts
Conspiracy Restraint of trade Insurance bad faith (American law) Fraud Tortious interference
Defences
Assumption of risk Consent Necessity Statute of limitations Self-defense Defense of others Defence of property Shopkeeper's privilege Neutral reportage
Liability
Intentional torts Last clear chance Eggshell skull Vicarious liability Respondeat superior Volenti non fit injuria Ex turpi causa non oritur actio Joint and several liability Market share liability Transferred intent
Remedies
Damages Punitive Special Incidental Injunction Tracing Detinue Replevin Trover
Other topics in tort law
Tort reform Non-economic damages caps Quasi-tort Delict (term used for torts in some civil and mixed legal systems) Conflict of tort laws Private attorney general Class action
By jurisdiction
Australia Canada China England and Wales European Union India Japan Taiwan United States
Other common law areas
Contracts Criminal law Evidence Property Wills, trusts, and estates
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In criminal law an assault is defined as an attempt to commit battery, requiring the specific intent to cause physical injury.

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