Assault
Assault
Assault (/əˈsɔːlt/) is a term used in law and medicine to describe an act of causing intentional harm to another person. It is a criminal act that involves the intentional infliction of bodily harm or the threat of harm to another person.
Etymology
The term "assault" originates from the Latin word "assilire", which means "to leap upon". This term was later adopted into Old French as "asaut", and then into Middle English as "assaut".
Legal Definition
In criminal law, assault is defined as the intentional act of causing apprehension of harmful or offensive contact or intentionally causing physical injury to another person. It is important to note that the definition of assault can vary between jurisdictions. Some jurisdictions differentiate between assault and battery, with battery being the actual physical contact, while assault is the threat of physical contact.
Medical Definition
In medical terms, assault refers to the act of causing physical harm or injury to a person. This can include a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to serious injuries like fractures, burns, or internal injuries. Medical professionals often deal with the aftermath of assaults in emergency rooms and trauma centers.
Related Terms
- Battery: In legal terms, battery is the actual physical act that causes harm to another person. It is often paired with assault in legal charges.
- Domestic Violence: This refers to assault that occurs within a domestic setting, such as between family members or partners.
- Sexual Assault: This is a form of assault that involves sexual activity forced upon a person without their consent.
- Aggravated Assault: This is a more serious form of assault, often involving a weapon or resulting in serious bodily harm.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Assault
- Wikipedia's article - Assault
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