What is the difference between assault and aggravated assault in Canada?
Assault is the application of force or the threat of force against another person without their consent and without legal justification or excuse.
Aggravated assault is a type of assault. Aggravated assault involves an assault which wounds, maims, disfigures or endangers the life of the complainant.
"Wound" refers to any injury which causes bleeding, and typically results in permanent damage.
"Maiming" refers to an injury which causes a person to be less able to fight or otherwise function. This includes breaking of bones.
"Disfigure" refers to injuries that amount to more than a temporary marring of the figure or appearance.
"Endangerment" of life refers to the consequence of the injuries received.
