Which of the following is an example of excessive force in an assault scenario?

The scenario of kicking someone when they are down exemplifies excessive force in an assault situation because it involves a use of physical violence that goes beyond what is reasonable or necessary in any conflict. This action not only demonstrates a clear intent to inflict harm but also shows a complete disregard for the victim's well-being, particularly since the person is already in a vulnerable position. Excessive force is characterized by a degree of violence intended to cause injury, which is evident in this choice.

In contrast, yelling at a person or pushing someone lightly doesn't typically constitute excessive force, as those actions may not cause physical harm or indicate a strong intent to inflict injury. Similarly, throwing an object nearby may be a display of aggression, but unless it directly targets someone and causes harm, it may not meet the threshold of excessive force associated with an assault. Kicking someone while they are down is unequivocally aggressive and harmful, making it the clearest example of excessive force.