Is it illegal to physically threaten someone?

Answer 1

Threatening people with bodily harm is called assault. It is both a criminal and civil offense (the offender can be sued and have criminal charges). The fear of being harmed is the distinguishing factor.

Battery is the actual hurting of someone. It is possible to have assault and battery, assault only, or battery only - where the attacker hits someone but they didn't see it coming.

Unfortunately the law has loop holes in it. You have to either have a witness, get it on tape (from a phone message) or a copy of an email. Just your word will be heresay in a court of law if it even reaches court. If reported to the police their hands are tied unless you can actually show physical harm to your body or your apartment or home has been trashed by this person. Even at that the police still have to prove this person did it. With DNA and other technology they should be able to get proof in this case.

A personal experience:

I belong to a Motocross club and this just happened to our club's pres. Per the advice of the town's chief of police, the event should have been reported. Do not verbally threaten someone's life unless you are cool with having a record of it, along with possible harassment charges.

Answer 2

In many states - verbal threats, that are not accompanied by any means or method with which to carry them out, can be Constitutionally protected free speech.

Some states do have statutes that cover something called "Fighting Words" and verbal threats MAY fall under this category in THOSE states.

Answer 3

Yes it is illegal

Added: Maybe, maybe not. It can depend on what context, or scenario the 'threat' was made in. Some courts have ruled that verbal threats "unaccompanied by any means or method with which to carry them out" are nothing more than an exercise of free speech, regardless of how distasteful they may be.

Answer 4

Yes if they get it on tape and take it to the pollice your toast

Answer 5

Yes. It is illegal to verbally threaten their kids for any reason.

Answer 6

In a word, yes.

Answer 7

In most civilised countries, yes.