Literary Discussions

The term "assault and battery" is somewhat archaic. In New York City the charges have changed to "assault" and "aggravated assault."  If someone walks up to you shouting and screaming threats but does not make physical contact, that is ASSAULT. If they then make physical contact, that is BATTERY.  If you walk away from them and they FOLLOW you shouting threats and insults then that is AGGRAVATED ASSAULT.

Certain religious denominations regularly assault strangers with the threat that "IF you do not join my religion and subscribe to my doctrines THEN you will be tortured for all eternity by my loving God."