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Index/Topics/Federal Courts Interpretation of 18 U.S.C. § 111

Federal Courts Interpretation of 18 U.S.C. § 111

The interpretation of 18 U.S.C. § 111 by federal courts, specifically regarding the requirement of a common-law 'simple assault' for convictions.

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Jan 17, 2026

How have federal courts resolved the circuit split on whether § 111 requires a common‑law assault element?

Federal courts are divided: several circuits read 18 U.S.C. § 111 as demanding at least a common‑law “simple assault” (or equivalent threatened‑force element) for convictions, while other circuits tre...