Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Practice Exam

What constitutes assault according to the definition provided?

1. Intentional touching of another person

2. Unintentional harm caused to another

3. Actual and intentional striking of another person against their will

4. Both intentional touching and causing bodily harm

The correct answer is: Actual and intentional striking of another person against their will

The definition of assault is accurately captured by stating that it involves the actual and intentional striking of another person against their will. This emphasizes the importance of intent and the act of causing harm directly to another individual. In legal terms, assault is not just about the act itself, but also the intent behind the act—there must be a conscious decision to strike. Additionally, the "against their will" aspect highlights that the individual being assaulted has not consented to the action, reinforcing the violation of personal autonomy that is a fundamental element of the offense. In contrast, unintentional actions, such as accidental harm, do not meet the criteria for assault because they lack the necessary intent. Similarly, while intentional touching could be considered in certain contexts, it is not sufficient to constitute assault unless it involves the actual striking that inflicts harm or offense. Therefore, the correct understanding of assault encompasses both the intent to harm and the act of striking itself, which aligns with the definition provided.