The crime of assault varies from state to state (and under federal law), but is generally defined as intentionally putting another person in reasonable apprehension or fear of an imminent (immediate) harmful or offensive contact. The crime of assault may be committed even if there is no physical contact, as the criminal physical contact constitutes the separate crime of battery.

In South Carolina, assault is legally defined and penalized under the state's criminal statutes. Assault in South Carolina is generally categorized into degrees based on the severity of the act and the harm or threat caused. Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature (ABHAN) is considered the most serious form, involving circumstances that create a great risk of death or serious bodily injury. Below this, there are three degrees of Assault and Battery: 1st degree involves non-consensual touching with the intent to injure, or the act occurs during the commission of a robbery, burglary, kidnapping, or theft; 2nd degree involves moderate bodily injury or the touching of private parts without consent under aggravating circumstances; and 3rd degree, the least serious, involves unlawfully injuring another person or offering or attempting to injure a person with the present ability to do so. The specific statutes detailing assault laws in South Carolina can be found in the South Carolina Code of Laws, particularly in Title 16 - Crimes and Offenses, Chapter 3 - Offenses Against the Person. It is important to note that the crime of assault in South Carolina may be committed without physical contact, as the law considers the act of putting another in fear of imminent harm as assault, while actual physical contact is addressed as battery.