What is considered simple assault?

Simple assault is defined as an intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent harm or involves a minor physical confrontation. The scenario described in the chosen option, which involves swinging at someone and instilling fear of imminent harm, fits within the legal framework of simple assault. This type of assault does not require physical injury or the use of a weapon; the key element is the reasonable perception by the victim of a threat of harm.

In contrast, other options depict actions that might fall under different categories of assault or more serious crimes. For instance, acts resulting in serious injury or involving the use of a weapon typically escalate the offense to aggravated assault, which carries more severe legal consequences. Verbal intimidation alone, without accompanying actions that cause fear of imminent harm, generally does not meet the criteria for assault. Thus, the correct understanding of simple assault centers on the intent and the perception of threat rather than actual injury or weapon use.