What legal concept allows the anticipation of harmful contact in the absence of actual contact?

The legal concept that permits the anticipation of harmful contact without actual contact is defined by the concept of assault. In tort law, assault occurs when one person intentionally puts another person in reasonable apprehension of an imminent harmful or offensive contact. This means that the mere threat or fear of harm can suffice for an assault claim, regardless of whether any physical contact actually occurs.

In this context, the concept of assault emphasizes the mental state of both the perpetrator and the victim. The victim must have a reasonable belief that harmful contact is about to happen, and the perpetrator must have the intent to cause that apprehension. Therefore, the anticipation of harmful conduct is central to the definition of assault, making it the correct choice in this scenario.

The other concepts mentioned do not pertain directly to the anticipation of harmful contact without actual contact. Transferred intent relates to the legal principle where the intent to harm one individual can transfer to another if the harm unintentionally affects a different person. The consent doctrine involves instances where a person agrees to the conduct that may otherwise be harmful, thus negating liability. Preventive action standard is not a recognized legal term in this context, making it unrelated to the concept of assault.