View source for Common Assault (Offence)

[[fr:Voies de fait (infraction)]]
{{Currency2|January|2016}}
{{LevelZero}}{{HeaderOffences}}

{{OffenceBox
|OffenceTitle=Common Assault
|OffencePage=Common Assault
|Section=265, 266
|Act={{OBCCC}}
|CrownElection={{OBHybridElection}} 
|Jurisdiction={{OBJurisdictionAll-Under14}}
|Bail={{OBBailAll}}
|SummaryDisp={{OBDispAll}} 
|SummaryMin= {{OBMinNone}}
|SummaryMax={{OBSConviction}} 
|IndictableDisp= {{OBDispSame}} 
|IndictableMin= {{OBMinNone}} 
|IndictableMax= {{OBTime|5 years}} }}

==Overview==
{{OverviewVIII|assault}}
The offence of common '''assault''' is set out in s. 265. It is the most basic of offences of violence. Section 265 sets out three ways for the offence to occur. It can be through the intentional non-consensual application of force. It can also be an attempt or threat of non-consensual application of force or lastly the interference with a person while having a weapon.

; Pleadings
{{PleadingsHeader-N}}
{{PleadingsHybridList-N|s. 266 {{DescrSec|266}} | {{Yes}} | {{Yes-IfCrown}} | {{No-Under14}} }} 
{{PleadingsEnd}} 

{{PleadingsHybridElection-Under14|s. 266 {{DescrSec|266}} }}

; Release
{{ReleaseHeader}}
|s. 266 {{DescrSec|266}} || {{ReleaseProfile-Hybrid}} 
|-
{{ReleaseEnd}}

{{ReleaseOptions-Hybrid|s. 266 {{DescrSec|266}}}}

:''Fingerprints and Photos''
{{IDCriminalAct|s. 266}}

; Publication Bans
<!-- {{PubBanHeader}} <!-- Sections / Sexual Offence Pub Ban / Youth Victim or witness / Young Accused -->
<!--|s. 266 {{DescrSec|266}} || {{OKMark}}  || {{OKMark}} || {{OKMark}}  ||  {{OKMark}} (if jury eligible) ||{{OKMark}}  || {{XMark}}
|- 
{{PubBanEnd}}-->
{{GeneralPubBan}}

; Offence Designations
{{DesignationHeader}} <!-- wire  / DO / SPIO / AG Consent -->
|-
|s. 266 {{DescrSec|266}}|| {{XMark}} <!--wire--> || {{OKMark}} <!--DO-->||{{XMark-Under10}} <!--SPIO--> || {{XMark}} <!--consent--> || {{XMark-Under10}} <!--IPRA-->
{{DesignationEnd}}

{{DODesignation|s. 266 {{DescrSec|266}}}}

{{IRPADesignation|s. 266 {{DescrSec|266}}}}

{{SeeBelowForAncillary}}

{{reflist|2}}

==Offence Wording==

{{quotation2|
; Assault
265 (1) A person commits an assault when
:(a) without the consent of another person, he applies force intentionally to that other person, directly or indirectly;
:(b) he attempts or threatens, by an act or a gesture, to apply force to another person, if he has, or causes that other person to believe on reasonable grounds that he has, present ability to effect his purpose; or
:(c) while openly wearing or carrying a weapon or an imitation thereof, he accosts or impedes another person or begs.<br>

; Application
(2) This section applies to all forms of assault, including sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, threats to a third party or causing bodily harm and aggravated sexual assault.
<br>
; Consent
(3) For the purposes of this section, no consent is obtained where the complainant submits or does not resist by reason of
:(a) the application of force to the complainant or to a person other than the complainant;
:(b) threats or fear of the application of force to the complainant or to a person other than the complainant;
:(c) fraud; or
:(d) the exercise of authority.<br>

; Accused’s belief as to consent
(4) Where an accused alleges that he believed that the complainant consented to the conduct that is the subject-matter of the charge, a judge, if satisfied that there is sufficient evidence and that, if believed by the jury, the evidence would constitute a defence, shall instruct the jury, when reviewing all the evidence relating to the determination of the honesty of the accused’s belief, to consider the presence or absence of reasonable grounds for that belief.
<br>
R.S., c. C-34, s. 244; 
1974-75-76, c. 93, s. 21; 
1980-81-82-83, c. 125, s. 19.
|{{CCCSec2|265}}
|{{NoteUp|265|1|2|3|4}}
}}

{{quotation2|
; Assault
266. Every one who commits an assault is guilty of
:(a) an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
:(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.

R.S., c. C-34, s. 245; 
{{LegHistory70s|1972, c. 13}}, s. 21; 
1974-75-76, c. 93, s. 22; 
1980-81-82-83, c. 125, s. 19.
|{{CCCSec2|266}}
|{{NoteUp|266}}
}}

===Draft Form of Charges===
{{seealso|Draft Form of Charges}}
{{DraftHeader}}
|-
|266
| assault
|"{{ellipsis1}}, did assault [alleged victim] and did thereby commit an offence {{contrary|266}}.
{{DraftEnd}}

==Proof of the Offence==

{{ElementHeader}}
{{ElementLeft}}

{{Proving|assault by force|265(1)(a)}}
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} the culprit applied force on the victim
# {{box}} the culprit intended to apply force and it was not by reflex or carelessly
# {{box}} the manner in which assault occurred (whether by fist, open hand, or object)	
# {{box}} injuries, if any, that occurred
# {{box}} compare physical build between the accused and victim
# {{box}} that the complainant did not consent (see also s. 265(3) and (4))	
# {{box}} that the complainant did not assault, threaten or provoke the accused	
# {{box}} whether an alcohol was involved

{{ElementRight}}

{{Proving|assault by threat|265(1)(b)}}
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} the culprit attempted or threatened to apply force to the victim
# {{box}} the culprit meant the threat to be taken seriously
# {{box}} the culprit had the ability to give effect to his purpose OR the victim reasonably believed he had the ability to give effect to his purpose
# {{box}} no intentional physical contact was made
# {{box}} compare physical build between the accused and victim
# {{box}} that the complainant did not consent (see also s. 265(3) and (4))	
# {{box}} that the complainant did not assault, threaten or provoke the accused	
# {{box}} whether an alcohol was involved

{{ElementLeft}}

{{Proving|assault, carrying weapon|265(1)(c)}}
{{InitialElements}}
# {{box}} the culprit was "openly wearing or carrying a weapon or imitation thereof"
# {{box}} the culprit accosted or impeded the victim or begged
# {{box}} compare physical build between the accused and victim
# {{box}} that the complainant did not consent (see also s. 265(3) and (4))	
# {{box}} that the complainant did not assault, threaten or provoke the accused	
# {{box}} whether an alcohol was involved

{{ElementRight}}
{{ElementEnd}}

==Interpretation of the Offence==

==="Assault"===
The term "assault" found in s. 266 is meant to include the common law terms of "assault" and "battery."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Cadden|22knx|1989 CanLII 2847 (BC CA)|48 CCC (3d) 122}}{{perBCCA-H|Hinkson JA}}{{atL|22knx|10}}
</ref>
Words alone cannot be an assault. It requires an "act or gesture", but there is no need for physical contact.<REf>
{{ibid1|Cadden}}{{atsL|22knx|16| to 18}}
{{CanLIIR|Johnson|1pxzq|2006 CanLII 37519 (ON SC)}}{{atL|1pxzq|152}}
{{CanLIIRP|Edgar|h32dm|2016 ONCA 120 (CanLII)}}{{atL|h32dm|10}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Force===
An assault includes “the least of touching” without consent.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Dawydiuk|290rj|2010 BCCA 162 (CanLII)|253 CCC (3d) 493}}{{perBCCA|Rowles JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Burden|23lzb|1981 CanLII 355 (BC CA)|(1981) 25 CR (3d) 283}}{{perBCCA|McFarlane JA}}<br>
</ref> 
The amount of force used is not material.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Palombi|1rxpz|2007 ONCA 486 (CanLII)| 222 CCC (3d) 528}}{{perONCA|Rosenberg JA}}<br>
{{supra1|Burden}}<br>
{{CanLIIR-N|McDonald|, [2012] NJ No 2504 (CA) }}<br>
{{UKCase|Collins v Wilcock|, [1984] 3 All ER 374 (Q.B.)}}{{atp|378}}, (“has long been established that any touching of another person, however slight, may amount to a battery.”)
</ref>

This broad definition does present a risk of "absurd consequences", but it should be left to the courts to draw the line.<ref>
see {{CanLIIRP|Jobidon|1fskj|1991 CanLII 77 (SCC)|[1991] 2 SCR 714}}{{perSCC|Gonthier J}}
</ref>

The doctrine of [[Consent#Implied Consent|implied consent]] will exclude some of the trivial assaults from being criminally liable.<ref>
e.g. see discussion in {{CanLIIRx|Bennett|1p8m1|2006 CanLII 31012 (NL PC)}}{{perNLPC|Gorman J}}{{atsL|1p8m1|41| to 44}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Intention===
The Crown must prove the accused had intention to apply force. <ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Ewanchuk|1fqpm|1999 CanLII 711 (SCC)|[1999] 1 SCR 330}}{{perSCC-H|Major J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Bartlett|g8x9s|1989 CanLII 4889 (NLSCTD)| Nfld. & PEIR 143 (NLSC)}}{{perNLSC|Cameron J}}
</ref>
The use of the word “intentionally” refers to the application of force or “to the manner in which force is applied”<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|George|21vcd|1960 CanLII 45 (SCC)|[1960] SCR 871}}{{perSCC-H|Fauteux J}}</ref>

An element of "hostility" has never been essential in the proof of assault. It would otherwise exclude liability due to pranks getting out of hand, non-consensual surgical treatment.<ref>
{{UKCase|F v West Berkshire Health Authority|, [1989] 2 All ER 545 (H.L.)}}, at page 564<br>
</ref>

Force due to carelessness or reflex is not sufficient.<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|Starratt|g19d0|1971 CanLII 541 (ON CA)|5 CCC (2d) 32 (CA)}}{{perONCA|Gale CJ}}<br> 
{{CanLIIRP|Wolfe|htwp8|1974 CanLII 1643|20 CCC (2d) 382}}{{perONCA| Gale CJ}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Attempts or Threatens===
An uttered threat accompanied by a preparatory action will amount to an assault.<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIRx|Brogan|fwdxh|2013 MBQB 6 (CanLII)}}{{perMBQB|Greenberg J}} - offender committed assault when he "stood up, clenched his fists and said “Let’s go”"
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

=== Consent ===
See [[Consent]]

==Traditional Defences==
* [[Defences|Consensual fight]]
* [[Self-Defence and Defence of Another|Self-Defence]]
* [[Self-Defence and Defence of Another|Defence of Another]]
* [[Defences|Defence of Property]]
* [[Defences|De Minimus]]
* [[Defences|Reflex]]
* [[Corrective Force|Corrective Force]]

==Participation of Third Parties==
{{seealso|Role of the Victim and Third Parties|Testimonial Aids for Young, Disabled or Vulnerable Witnesses}}

{{ThirdPartyHeader}} <!-- Sections / Testimonial Screen (486) / Support Person / Video-link / Cross-exam. Prohib. / Sexual Offence Pub Ban / Victim's Right to Privacy in Records / Witness Identity (486.31) --> 
|s. 266 {{DescrSec|266}} || || ||  || || ||   ||
|- 
{{ThirdPartyEnd}}

; Testimonial Aids
{{3rdPTestimonyAids}}

; On Finding of Guilt
{{VictimHeader}} <!-- Sections / Notice of Agree / Notice of Restitution / Notice of VIS --> 
|s. 266 {{DescrSec|266}} || {{No}} ||{{Yes-Indictment}} || ||
|- 
{{VictimEnd}} 

{{606Notice5Y|s. 266}}

{{RestitutionNotice}}

{{VISNotice}}

{{reflist|2}}

==Sentencing Principles and Ranges==
{{seealsoSentencing}}
{{seealsoSentencingViolence}}

===Sentencing Profile===
; Maximum Penalties
{{SProfileMaxHeader‎}}
{{SProfileMax|s. 266 {{DescrSec|266}} | {{Summary}} |{{summaryconviction}} }}
{{SProfileMax|s. 266 {{DescrSec|266}} | {{Indictable}} |{{Max5Years}}}}
{{SProfileEnd}}

{{MaxPenaltyHybrid|s. 266 {{DescrSec|266}}|'''{{Max5Years}}'''|'''{{summaryconviction}}'''}}

; Minimum Penalties
{{NoMinimumPenalties}}

; Available Dispositions
{{SProfileAvailHeader}}
|s. 266 {{DescrSec|266}} || any || {{SProfileAll}}
|-
{{SProfileEnd}}
{{AllDispositionsAvailable}}

; Consecutive Sentences
{{NoConsecutive}}

===Principles===

; Assault Upon Children
Most of the abuse of children can be divided into three categories:<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Berg|h3s54|2017 SKPC 11 (CanLII)}}{{atL|h3s54|12}}<Br>
{{CanLIIRP|Marks|2dx9t|(1994) 1994 CanLII 9742 (NL CA)|NJ No 241}}{{atsL|2dx9t|27| and 28}} - describes two of three categories<br>
{{CanLIIR|Evans|6j9k|1996 CanLII 19983 (AB PC)|182 AR 21}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Laberge|2dc8j|1995 ABCA 196 (CanLII)|165 A.R. 375; 89 W.A.C. 375; 27 W.C.B.(2d) 176}}{{perABCA|Fraser ACJ}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Hilterman|gqckt|1993 CanLII 16387 (AB CA)|141 A.R. 223; 46 W.A.C. 223}}{{perABCA|Belzil JA and Prowse J}}<bR>
</ref>
# The application of force with, if not the intention, the expectation of causing injury or, an indifference as to whether injuries will result;
# the application of force where a parent or other custodian of a child is immature and is unskilled in matters of child care, and, acting out of emotional upset, frustration or impatience, does not fully appreciate the serious injuries which might result; and
# cases involving diminished responsibility through mental disorder where the of normal mental condition of the accused requires that treatment of the offender be given a priority over the principles of general and individual deterrence.

The first of which is the more aggravating form of the offence. The second is the lesser form of offence and may focus more on rehabilitation.<Ref>
{{ibid1|Marks}}{{AtL|2dx9t|28}}
</reF>
The second and third categories are not so minor as to mean that jail sentences should not be imposed.<Ref>
{{supra1|Berg}}{{atL|h3s54|12}}<Br>
{{CanLIIR|Nickel|frgmj|2012 ABCA 158 (CanLII)}}{{perABCA|Watson JA}}
</ref>

; Assaults by Peace Officers
Sentences for assaults by peace officers on prisoners should be upon general deterrence and denunciation.<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Andalib-Goortani|ggk1v|2015 ONSC 1403 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Trotter J}}{{atL|ggk1v|59}}<br>
</ref>

Given police's important role in society, they are expected to adhere to "exemplary behaviour" in both their professional and private lives.<Ref>
{{CanLIIR|DED|1wkz8|2007 ABQB 508 (CanLII)}}{{perABQB| J}}{{atL|1wkz8|81}}<Br>
R v Wallator, [1994] A.J. No. 194 (Prov. Ct.) at para 18 ("Police officers have an important peace role to play in society. They are under constant public scrutiny with a public demand for exemplary behaviour. There is a public attitude that police officers are expected to live, and to reflect higher standards of attitude and conduct, not only in their professional lives but also in their private lives, which is much more than is required of private citizens. Police forces reinforce these views through internal discipline procedures and regular personal evaluation reports (which are reviewed by supervisors).")
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

===Ranges===
{{seealsoRanges|Common Assault}}

; Assaults Upon Children
It has been noted that the precedents in Newfoundland have shown typical ranges from conditional discharges to 6 months jail for common assault.<REf>
{{CanLIIRP|Norman|fn003|2011 CanLII 54410 (NL PC)|[2011] N.J. No. 214}}{{perNLPC|Gorman J}}
</ref>

; Assaults by Peace Officers
In Ontario, sentences in the range of 30 to 60 days for assaults by peace officers on prisoners should be considered lenient.<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Andalib-Goortani|ggk1v|2015 ONSC 1403 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Trotter J}}{{atL|ggk1v|59}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Ancillary Sentencing Orders==
{{seealso|Ancillary Orders}}
	
; Offence-specific Orders
{{AOrderHeader}}
| [[DNA Orders]]  ||s. 266 {{DescrSec|266}} ||
** {{SecondDNA(CtoE)|s. 266}}
|-
| [[Weapons Prohibition Orders]]   || s. 266 {{DescrSec|266}} ||
** {{Section110|s. 266}}
|-
| [[Delayed_Parole_Eligibility|Delayed Parole Order]] ||s. 266 {{DescrSec|266}}||
* {{ParoleDelayEligible|1|s. 266}}
{{AOrderEnd}}

; General Sentencing Orders
{{GeneralSentencingOrders}}

; General Forfeiture Orders
{{GeneralForfeitureOrders}}

==Record Suspensions and Pardons==
{{RecordSuspension|s. 266 [assault]}}

==History of Common Assault==
* [[History of Common Assault (Offence)]]

==See Also==
; Related Offences
* [[Assault with a Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm (Offence)]]
* [[Aggravated Assault (Offence)]]
* [[Assault Peace Officer (Offence)]]
; Trial-related Matters
* [[Assault-based Offences (Model Examinations)]]

* [http://sentencingcouncil.judiciary.gov.uk/docs/Assault_definitive_guideline_-_Crown_Court.pdf UK Sentencing Guidelines on Assault]

{{OffencesNavBar/Violence}}