In common law, assault is the act of creating apprehension of an imminent harmful or offensive contact with a person. An assault is carried out by a threat of bodily harm coupled with an apparent, present ability to cause the harm. It is both a crime and a tort so it may result in either criminal and/or civil liability. Another legal category of assault is when there is an an unsuccessful attempt.

Here on LawServer you’ll find relevant federal and state laws about assault.