Abstract
This chapter discusses the provisions of criminal law for non-fatal offences against the person in England and Wales, which include assault, battery, malicious wounding, grievous bodily harm, and racially and religiously aggravated assaults. It examines the distinctions between these major offences against the person and discusses their actus reus and mens rea elements. The chapter evaluates the use of consent and lawful chastisement in legal defence, analyses the relevant provisions of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and the offences of coercive control and strangulation, and reviews recent reform proposals. It also provides examples of related cases and comments on the bases of court decisions on each of them.
