During a heated argument at a bar, John swings his fist at Mike, intending to hit him, but misses. In response, Mike grabs John's arm and slams it against a wall, causing injury. Both individuals are charged with offenses. Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding their potential charges?
John is guilty of battery, and Mike is not guilty of any offense.
Neither John nor Mike committed any offense as there was mutual combat.
Both John and Mike are guilty of assault.
John is guilty of assault, and Mike is guilty of battery.
John committed assault by attempting to strike Mike, even though he missed, as assault involves an act intended to cause apprehension of harmful or offensive contact. Mike committed battery by making actual physical contact that was harmful or offensive.
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What constitutes assault in legal terms?
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What is the difference between assault and battery?
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Can mutual combat be a defense in assault or battery cases?