A Level Law Practice Exam

In the Logden case, what is required for a person to be considered a victim of assault?

1. The victim must feel endangered

2. The victim must be aware of potential unlawful force

3. The victim must have experienced physical harm

4. The victim has to witness the act of aggression

The correct answer is: The victim must be aware of potential unlawful force

In the context of the Logden case, the correct answer emphasizes that for a person to be recognized as a victim of assault, they must be aware of the possibility of unlawful force being used against them. This awareness is vital because it establishes the mental state necessary for the offense of assault. Assault in legal terms involves the threat of immediate harm, and if a victim is aware that they might be subjected to unlawful force, it creates the necessary apprehension. This psychological perception is integral to the concept of assault, regardless of whether physical harm is actually inflicted. While feeling endangered might seem relevant, it is the awareness of the potential unlawful force that specifically characterizes the victim's experience in a legal context. Similarly, the absence of physical harm or the requirement to witness the act does not meet the legal definition of what constitutes a victim in the case of assault as defined by this precedent. Therefore, the key element is the victim’s awareness of the threat, as highlighted in the correct answer.