The same conduct can be both an assault and a battery, although they are separate torts.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Assault and battery are separate torts, but the same conduct can constitute both because assault involves causing someone to apprehend immediate physical harm, while battery involves actual physical contact or harm. Thus, an action can simultaneously cause apprehension of harm (assault) and result in physical contact or harm (battery).

The Same Conduct Can Be Both an Assault and a Battery