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2 Dec 2025
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Effective AQA Criminal Law Writing Tips
E
Emma F
@emmaxfaulkner
![Assault
Identify
[D] may be criminally
liable for the common law
offence of assault.
Battery
[D] could be criminally
liable with the common](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent-eu-central-1.knowunity.com%2FCONTENT%2F01925321-8d10-76b1-8d2b-dd494ed53c20_image_page_1.webp&w=2048&q=75)
The Five Levels of Assault and Battery Offences
Criminal law recognises five distinct levels of assault and battery charges, each with increasing severity and different legal requirements. Starting with basic common law assault, where someone intentionally or recklessly causes another person to fear immediate unlawful force, we move through to the most serious GBH charges under section 18.
Battery takes things a step further - it's the actual infliction of unlawful force rather than just the fear of it. The key difference is that assault is about making someone think they're about to be hit, whilst battery is actually hitting them.
ABH (Actual Bodily Harm) under section 47 covers any hurt or injury that interferes with the victim's health or comfort, provided it's not completely trivial. Think bruises, minor cuts, or psychological harm that affects daily life.
The two GBH (Grievous Bodily Harm) charges deal with serious injuries. Section 20 covers maliciously wounding or inflicting GBH, whilst section 18 requires proof of intent to cause serious harm. A wound means breaking both outer layers of skin, whilst GBH simply means "serious harm."
Key Point: Each offence builds on the previous one - you need to establish assault or battery before proving the higher charges, and causation must be proven using the "but for" test and significant contribution principle.
![Assault
Identify
[D] may be criminally
liable for the common law
offence of assault.
Battery
[D] could be criminally
liable with the common](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent-eu-central-1.knowunity.com%2FCONTENT%2F01925321-8d10-76b1-8d2b-dd494ed53c20_image_page_2.webp&w=2048&q=75)
Mental Elements (Mens Rea) for Each Offence
The mental element requirements get more complex as the charges become more serious, but understanding them is absolutely manageable once you grasp the pattern. For both assault and battery, you only need to prove intention or recklessness regarding the immediate act - causing fear or inflicting force respectively.
ABH charges are surprisingly straightforward because they require no additional mental element beyond the underlying assault or battery. This means if someone intended to push someone (battery) but accidentally caused bruising (ABH), they're still liable for the full ABH charge under the Roberts and Savage principle.
Section 20 GBH requires intention or recklessness as to causing "some harm" - not necessarily serious harm. This makes it easier to prove than you might expect, as established in Mowatt and Grimshaw. The prosecution doesn't need to show the defendant foresaw serious consequences.
Section 18 GBH stands apart as the most serious charge because it requires specific intent to cause GBH. This is much harder to prove and often comes down to evidence of planning, the weapon used, or the defendant's own words.
Remember: Use the Cunningham test for recklessness - did the defendant foresee the risk but take it anyway? This applies to all charges except ABH, where the underlying assault/battery mens rea is sufficient.
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Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
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Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
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Paul T
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Effective AQA Criminal Law Writing Tips
E
Emma F
@emmaxfaulkner
Understanding the different levels of assault charges is crucial for A-level law students studying criminal offences. This guide breaks down the five main categories of assault and battery charges, from basic common law offences to the most serious GBH charges... Show more
The Five Levels of Assault and Battery Offences
Criminal law recognises five distinct levels of assault and battery charges, each with increasing severity and different legal requirements. Starting with basic common law assault, where someone intentionally or recklessly causes another person to fear immediate unlawful force, we move through to the most serious GBH charges under section 18.
Battery takes things a step further - it's the actual infliction of unlawful force rather than just the fear of it. The key difference is that assault is about making someone think they're about to be hit, whilst battery is actually hitting them.
ABH (Actual Bodily Harm) under section 47 covers any hurt or injury that interferes with the victim's health or comfort, provided it's not completely trivial. Think bruises, minor cuts, or psychological harm that affects daily life.
The two GBH (Grievous Bodily Harm) charges deal with serious injuries. Section 20 covers maliciously wounding or inflicting GBH, whilst section 18 requires proof of intent to cause serious harm. A wound means breaking both outer layers of skin, whilst GBH simply means "serious harm."
Key Point: Each offence builds on the previous one - you need to establish assault or battery before proving the higher charges, and causation must be proven using the "but for" test and significant contribution principle.
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Mental Elements (Mens Rea) for Each Offence
The mental element requirements get more complex as the charges become more serious, but understanding them is absolutely manageable once you grasp the pattern. For both assault and battery, you only need to prove intention or recklessness regarding the immediate act - causing fear or inflicting force respectively.
ABH charges are surprisingly straightforward because they require no additional mental element beyond the underlying assault or battery. This means if someone intended to push someone (battery) but accidentally caused bruising (ABH), they're still liable for the full ABH charge under the Roberts and Savage principle.
Section 20 GBH requires intention or recklessness as to causing "some harm" - not necessarily serious harm. This makes it easier to prove than you might expect, as established in Mowatt and Grimshaw. The prosecution doesn't need to show the defendant foresaw serious consequences.
Section 18 GBH stands apart as the most serious charge because it requires specific intent to cause GBH. This is much harder to prove and often comes down to evidence of planning, the weapon used, or the defendant's own words.
Remember: Use the Cunningham test for recklessness - did the defendant foresee the risk but take it anyway? This applies to all charges except ABH, where the underlying assault/battery mens rea is sufficient.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Legal Entities
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Chemistry paper 1 aqa
This is the aqa exam board for triple highwe
Chemistry10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user