What is the difference between assault and battery?

As James J stated in the case of Fagan v MPC: Although "assault" is an independent crime and is to be treated as such, for practical purposes today "assault" is generally synonymous with the term "battery", and is a term used to mean the actual intended use of unlawful force to another person without his consent.' Assault AR: Any act which causes the victim to apprehend an immediate infliction of violence, eg raising a fist or pointing a gun. Assault MR: Intention or subjective recklessness. Battery AR: The infliction of unlawful force by one person upon another. Battery MR: Intention or subjective recklessness.

AY
Answered by Alisha Y. Law tutor

11411 Views

See similar Law A Level tutors

Related Law A Level answers

All answers ▸

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the parliamentary law-making procedure.


What is the difference between recklessness and intention?


What is the doctrine of Novus Actus Interveniens, and why is it so important?


Write a critical analysis of the law on voluntary manslaughter.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning