Question

Mr. B threatened Mr. A with violence to compel him to vacate premises; there was no physical contact. Under which tort can A sue?

• A. Assault
• B. Battery
• C. Hurt
• D. False imprisonment

Hint:

Assault = apprehension of contact; Battery = actual contact.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Assault is the creation of a reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact; actual contact is unnecessary. Here, threatening gestures and words to "break the neck" create immediate fear of force. Battery would require physical touching, which did not occur. Therefore, the appropriate tort is assault.