What distinguishes battery from assault?

The distinction between battery and assault centers on the nature of the actions involved. Assault is characterized by causing a person to fear imminent harmful or offensive contact, meaning it involves the threat or attempt to cause physical harm, but no actual physical contact is necessary. This creates a sense of fear or apprehension in the victim. On the other hand, battery involves actual physical contact—this means that the perpetrator not only threatens harm but also follows through with it, resulting in physical injury or offensive contact with another person.

In this context, the correct choice highlights that battery is fundamentally about physical harm, while assault is more about instilling fear of that harm. This understanding is crucial as it applies to various legal contexts, allowing law enforcement and legal professionals to differentiate between the two offenses accurately.