In
common law,
assault is the
tort of acting intentionally, that is with either general or specific intent, causing the reasonable apprehension of an immediate harmful or offensive contact. Because assault requires intent, it is considered an
intentional tort, as opposed to a tort of
negligence. Actual ability to carry out the apprehended contact is not necessary. In
Criminal Law an assault is defined as an attempt to commit battery, requiring the specific intent to cause physical injury.