What is the difference between assault and battery?

Assault and battery are two closely related terms that refer to violent offenses in California. Both of these offenses involve physical contact between two individuals, but they differ in the specific details. Assault is the threat of force or violence with the intent to harm another person. It is important to note that no physical contact needs to occur for there to be an assault. If a person acts in a threatening manner and attempts to harm another, even if no physical contact occurs, it can be considered an assault. Battery, on the other hand, is the actual physical contact resulting from an assault. It is an intentional and offensive touching of another person without consent. It is important to note that even something as small as a touch can be considered a battery. In short, an assault is threatening another person and a battery is touching another person without consent. Depending on the specific circumstances, either offense can have serious legal consequences in California.

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What is the difference between assault and battery?

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