Under the offense 'Assault constable in execution of duty,' which of the following statements is true?

Under the offense 'Assault constable in execution of duty,' which of the following statements is true?

• A. A person may be guilty only if they physically assault a constable.
• B. A person may be guilty if they assault a constable or assist a constable in the execution of their duty.
• C. Only a police officer can commit this offense.
• D. Any member of the public can be charged regardless of their actions.

Answer: (B)

This offense is about protecting police officers while they’re carrying out their duties. It covers more than just a direct punch to a constable. The law also treats as guilty someone who helps a constable in the course of performing their duty, recognizing that support or facilitation can damage the ability of an officer to work safely and effectively. So the statement that a person may be guilty if they assault a constable or assist a constable in the execution of their duty matches the range of conduct the offense covers. It isn’t limited to physical violence, and it isn’t limited to police officers themselves or to action regardless of the person’s actions. For example, physically attacking a constable is covered, and so is providing aid to a constable in doing their job in a way that supports the lawful execution of their duty.

This offense is about protecting police officers while they’re carrying out their duties. It covers more than just a direct punch to a constable. The law also treats as guilty someone who helps a constable in the course of performing their duty, recognizing that support or facilitation can damage the ability of an officer to work safely and effectively.

So the statement that a person may be guilty if they assault a constable or assist a constable in the execution of their duty matches the range of conduct the offense covers. It isn’t limited to physical violence, and it isn’t limited to police officers themselves or to action regardless of the person’s actions. For example, physically attacking a constable is covered, and so is providing aid to a constable in doing their job in a way that supports the lawful execution of their duty.