FOCL Practice Test

What crime did Bob commit when he hit Ray with a beer bottle?

1. Simple assault

2. Aggravated assault

3. Manslaughter

4. Battery

The correct answer is: Aggravated assault

Hitting someone with a beer bottle typically constitutes aggravated assault, as it involves the use of a weapon or an object that can cause serious bodily injury. Aggravated assault is characterized by an intent to inflict harm, and using a beer bottle, which is a hard object, indicates a willingness to cause significant injury. This act may also suggest that the perpetrator intended to instill fear or cause physical harm, which are key components distinguishing aggravated assault from simple assault. In contrast, simple assault usually involves minor injuries or the threat of harm without the use of a weapon, while battery specifically refers to the actual physical act of causing bodily harm, which can also be a relevant factor depending on the jurisdiction's definitions. Manslaughter pertains to causing death, which is not applicable in this scenario. Thus, Bob’s action aligns most closely with the parameters of aggravated assault.