Aggravated assault

Aggravated assault is a type of physical violence that is considered more severe due to the use of a weapon, the intent of the perpetrator, or the degree of injury caused. It is a legal term used in various jurisdictions, including the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom, to denote a more serious form of assault.

Definition

In general, aggravated assault is defined as an assault that is committed with the intent to cause serious bodily harm, typically involving the use of a weapon. This distinguishes it from simple assault, which involves causing fear of harm but not necessarily actual physical injury.

Legal Aspects

In the United States, the exact definition of aggravated assault can vary by state, but it typically involves an assault that is committed with a deadly weapon or with the intent to commit a serious crime, such as rape or robbery. In some states, the degree of injury caused can also elevate a simple assault to an aggravated assault.

In Canada, aggravated assault is defined under Section 268 of the Criminal Code as an assault that "wounds, maims, disfigures or endangers the life of the complainant".

In the United Kingdom, the term is not used in statute law but may be used in legal commentaries and textbooks to describe an assault causing actual bodily harm.

Penalties

The penalties for aggravated assault vary by jurisdiction and can depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the injury, the presence of a weapon, and the intent of the perpetrator. Penalties can range from fines and probation to imprisonment.

See Also

• Assault
• Battery
• Self-defense
• Deadly weapon