# Why is always assualt in TV shows?

**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-always-assualt-in-tv-shows/260297
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [August 17, 2004, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-always-assualt-in-tv-shows/260297 "2004-08-17T20:58:45Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![Kel\_Varnsen\_Latex\_Division](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/aeb1de/32.png) [@Kel\_Varnsen\_Latex\_Division](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kel_Varnsen_Latex_Division)
#### Post date: [August 17, 2004, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-always-assualt-in-tv-shows/260297/1 "2004-08-17T20:58:45Z")

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Why in TV shows when somebody hits somebody are they charged with assualt? Shouldn’t it be battery?

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### Author: ![Punoqllads](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d2c977/32.png) [@Punoqllads](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Punoqllads)
#### Post date: [August 17, 2004, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-always-assualt-in-tv-shows/260297/2 "2004-08-17T21:15:25Z")

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Simplified breakdown:

Assault - threat or use of violence  
Battery - unwanted touching  
Assault & Battery - use of violence which connects with a victim

IANAL, YMMV

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### Author: ![Captain\_Amazing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)
#### Post date: [August 17, 2004, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-always-assualt-in-tv-shows/260297/3 "2004-08-17T21:52:34Z")

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It depends on the jurisdiction. “Assault” is a state crime, and is defined differently in each state. So, for example, in New York, Assault in the Third Degree is defined as:

> [@](#):
>
> A person is guilty of assault in the third degree when:
> 
> 1. With intent to cause physical injury to another person, he causes such injury to such person or to a third person; or
> 
> 2. He recklessly causes physical injury to another person; or
> 
> 3. With criminal negligence, he causes physical injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument.

and Second and First Degree assault deal with more severe injuries. There’s no seperate definition of battery.  
However, in California:

> [@](#):
>
> An assault is an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another

and

> [@](#):
>
> A battery is any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another.

So, the same crime that’s considered “assault” in New York, becomes “battery” in California. 50 states, 50 definitions.