Assault & Battery

Assault and battery are often grouped together and used interchangeably to describe a physical attack. However, assault and battery are two separate offenses which have very different meanings. Assault is defined as the threat or attempt of causing injury to another, with the apparent ability to carry out the threat. Battery is defined as the intentional touching of another, against their consent. Battery may involve hitting, striking, slapping, groping or any other form of physical contact.