What defines assault by attempt?

Assault by attempt is characterized by the intention to inflict harm on another person, even if that harm is not ultimately realized. The key element here is the intent behind the action; there must be a clear motive to cause injury. This aligns with the definition that considers an individual attempting to cause harm without achieving it as an assault by attempt.

This concept is rooted in criminal law, where the focus is on the actor’s intentions and actions leading up to the encounter, indicating that mere intention, coupled with an attempt—regardless of its success—can constitute an assault. In contrast to other options, such as causing harm through negligence or accidental injury, which imply a lack of intent, assault specifically involves a willful and deliberate effort to inflict harm on another individual.

Additionally, the notion of threatening harm without physical contact does not meet the criteria for an attempt to cause harm. While threats can be serious and are often criminalized, they typically fall under the category of 'assault' rather than 'assault by attempt' unless accompanied by clear actions indicating a pursuit of harm. Therefore, the correct identification of assault by attempt hinges on recognizing that it is about the intention and effort to harm, even in the absence of success.