Non Fatal Offences Flashcards
Assault is defined in
Common law
Actus Reus of assault
Causing the victim to apprehend immediate unlawful force
3 things to prove for assault
- D has done something threatening
- V apprehended immediate unlawful force
- Force V apprehended was ‘immediate’
Case showing gestures/actions can be an assault
Read V Coker
Case showing silence or verbal threats can be an assault
R v Ireland
Case showing written words can be an assault
R v Constanza
Case showing words can negate a threat
Tuberville v Savage
Case showing v can apprehend force even if it’s not possible
DPP v London
⭐️ Case showing force being ‘immediate’ means in the near future
⭐️ Smith v CCoW
Mens rea of assault
Intention or recklessness to case V to apprehend immediate unlawful force
Battery is defined in
Common law
Actus reus of battery
Applying unlawful force on/to another person
Case showing the slightest/lightest of touch of even clothing can be battery
R v Thomas
⭐️ Case showing force must be hostile which means unwanted and beyond jostlings of everyday life
⭐️ Wilson v Pringle
Case showing force can be applied via continuing act
Fagan v MPC
Case showing force can be applied indirectly eg. Via an object (chain reaction)
DPP v K