An act that illustrates an assault under the common law would be ________________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Under common law, assault refers to an attempt to commit a battery or the intentional creation of fear of an imminent battery. Therefore, throwing a punch (attempting to commit a battery) at someone would qualify as an assault under common law. Shouting obscenities or even whipping one's spouse (as domestic violence was not recognized at the time) would not necessarily qualify as assault under common law. Similarly, disciplining a child through corporal punishment may not necessarily be considered assault under the common law, as it may be viewed as a form of discipline and not an attempt to commit a battery.

An Act That Illustrates an Assault Under the Common Law