Assault & Criminal Force
- Mere words do not amount to assault (though words combined with gestures can).
- s.350 — Criminal force: Intentionally using force to any person, without consent, in order to commit an offence, or knowing it likely to cause injury, fear, or annoyance.
- s.351 — Assault: Any gesture or preparation, intending or knowing it likely to cause a person to apprehend that criminal force is about to be used against him. Illustration: A picks up a stick saying "I will give you a beating" — this is assault.
- s.352: Provides punishment for both assault and criminal force.
- Grave and sudden provocation does NOT mitigate the punishment under s.352.