The principal distinction between assault and battery is:
A) the difference between the plaintiff knowing the defendant and not knowing the defendant
B) the difference between the requirements of apprehension of an offensive physical contact and of actual physical contact
C) the difference between the requirements of proximate cause and ultimate cause
D) all of the other specific choices
E) none of the other specific choices

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Assault involves the threat of physical harm or unwanted physical contact, whereas battery involves the actual physical contact itself. Therefore, the primary distinction between the two is whether or not there has been actual physical contact. Option A, C, D, and E are not accurate distinctions between assault and battery.

The Principal Distinction Between Assault and Battery Is