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

11677 Views

See similar Law A Level tutors

Related Law A Level answers

All answers ▸

How effective is the Human Rights Act 1998 at protecting our human rights?


What are "actus reus" and "mens rea"


The offence of murder is out-dated and is urgently in need of reform. To what extent do you agree?


The law on the non-fatal offences against the person has been subjected to frequent criticism but little reform has been attempted. Evaluate the current law and suggest what reforms may be desirable.


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