Christian Bale assault accusations

by Jeffrey Nichols, Esq.

The word assault is often misunderstood, and in Batman's case, the confusion seems widespread on both the Internet and the street. Recent allegations that "Dark Knight" star Christian Bale assaulted his mother and sister have been translated by far too many people into "Did you hear he beat up his mother and sister?"

Roughly speaking, assault generally means putting someone in reasonable fear that harmful or offensive contact with them is imminent. For example, in a heated argument, anything from harsh words to a raised fist could lead the recipient to believe that an offensive contact was about to follow, and that they are therefore being assaulted. In fact, no contact need occur at all: an assault charge can stand on its own in most jursidictions.

Whatever happened between Mr. Bale and his family, the public must remember two things. First, an allegation, until proven, is only an allegation. Second, the word assault is not synonymous with the words "beat up."

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