How does the concept of 'assault' differ from 'battery' in legal terms?

In legal terms, the concept of 'assault' specifically refers to the act of creating a fear or apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact. Essentially, assault is more about the threat or the attempt to inflict harm, and does not require actual physical contact with the victim. On the other hand, 'battery' is defined as the actual physical act of causing harmful or offensive contact with another person. This distinction highlights that while assault can occur without any physical contact, battery cannot occur without it.

Understanding this difference is crucial because it clarifies the nature of the offenses. In criminal law, the two charges can often coexist; someone may be charged with both assault and battery if their actions involved both threats and actual harm. Definitions and interpretations may vary slightly by jurisdiction, but the fundamental distinction remains widely recognized in legal systems.