What is an element of assault listed in the material?

• A. Verbal and non verbal threat
• B. Physical contact
• C. Intent to kill
• D. Public disturbance

Answer: (A)

Assault is about creating fear of imminent violence through an intentional threat or attempt to harm. The essential point is that the threat must be intentional and communicated in a way that shows the person you could carry out the harm, and it can be conveyed with words or by actions. Because the threat itself—and the obvious ability to carry it out—causes fear, verbal and nonverbal threats fit this element exactly.

Physical contact describes battery, which is a separate offense. Intent to kill is a much more specific motive associated with more serious charges, not the basic element of assault. Public disturbance is unrelated to assault. So the item that captures the necessary element is the one describing a verbal or nonverbal threat.