Assault

Assault, in criminal law, any attempt to use illegal force on another person. Verbal threats do not constitute assault. If violence actually occurs, the act is termed battery; criminal assault is a tort. A simple assault is a misdemeanor, punishable summarily or upon indictment. Aggravated assaults, such as those committed with a deadly weapon with the intent to kill, to do great bodily harm, or to rape, are considered felonies. Reckless endangerment of human life and malevolence are also considered felonies in many jurisdictions.