Legal Definitions - simple assault

Simple assault refers to an attempt to cause bodily injury to another person, or intentionally placing another person in reasonable fear of immediate bodily harm. It typically involves actions that do not result in serious injury and do not involve the use of a dangerous weapon.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Creating Fear of Harm

  During a heated argument at a coffee shop, one customer suddenly lunges forward, clenches their fists, and shouts, "I'm going to smash your face in!" The other customer instinctively flinches and takes a step back, genuinely believing they are about to be physically attacked, even though no physical contact is made.

  This illustrates simple assault because the aggressor's actions (lunging, clenched fists, verbal threat) intentionally placed the other person in reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm. The fear of being struck, rather than actual physical contact, is the key element here.

• Example 2: Attempted Physical Injury Without Contact

  Two neighbors are arguing over a property line. One neighbor, in a fit of rage, picks up a small garden trowel and swings it toward the other neighbor's head, intending to strike them. The other neighbor quickly ducks, and the trowel misses them by inches.

  This demonstrates simple assault because the neighbor attempted to cause bodily injury by swinging the trowel with the intent to hit the other person. Even though no physical contact occurred and no injury resulted, the deliberate attempt to inflict harm fulfills the definition.

• Example 3: Minor Physical Contact

  At a crowded sporting event, two fans get into a dispute about seating. One fan, frustrated, forcefully shoves the other fan in the shoulder, causing them to stumble slightly but not fall or sustain any significant injury.

  This scenario exemplifies simple assault because there was an intentional application of physical force (the shove) against another person, even if it only resulted in minor discomfort and no serious injury. The act of unwanted physical contact, intended to cause some level of harm or offense, is sufficient.