Which statement correctly defines assault?

• A. Assault is the fear of the imminent battery (non-physical).
• B. Assault is actual unwanted physical contact.
• C. Assault is a form of protected speech.
• D. Assault is a financial breach.

Answer: (C)

Assault is the intentional act that causes a reasonable person to fear imminent harmful or offensive contact. The crucial point is that no physical contact needs to occur; the threat or attempt to cause harm is enough if it would make a reasonable person expect immediate harm. This distinguishes assault from battery, which requires actual physical contact. It also makes clear why options about protected speech or financial breaches don’t describe assault. In real-world terms, a raised fist or a menacing threat that makes someone think harm is about to happen fits the concept of assault, because it creates immediate apprehension of harm.