How is "assault" defined in the Texas Penal Code?

The definition of "assault" in the Texas Penal Code encompasses a broader range of behaviors than just the infliction of physical harm. The correct answer highlights that assault can include both the threat of bodily injury and the actual causing of harm. This dual aspect means that an individual can be charged with assault not only for physically injuring someone but also for threatening to do so, which can instill fear or apprehension in the victim.

In the context of the Texas Penal Code, the law recognizes that even the mere act of threatening another person can constitute an assault if it leads the person to reasonably fear for their safety. This is crucial in understanding how the legal system aims to protect individuals from not just physical violence but also psychological harm stemming from threats of violence.

The other options focus on narrower interpretations of assault, omitting the critical aspect of threatening behavior, which is integral to the definition under Texas law. Thus, the answer aligns accurately with the legal foundation established in the Texas Penal Code for defining assault.