Read the cases of State v. Bolarinho, 850 A.2d 907 (R.I. 2004) and State v. Fleming, 19 S.W.3d 195 (Tenn. 2000). Use your analysis of these cases to inform you in your discussion of the following questions:
- In your own words, define the crimes of assault and battery.
- Can a person's hands, fists, or feet be considered dangerous weapons? Why or why not?
- Would the use of hands, fists, or feet be considered mitigating or aggravating factors with regard to assault or battery? Explain.
- What do you think makes an object a dangerous weapon? Explain.
- What case law could you use to support your arguments? Identify and describe your examples.
- Why do you think these cases are relevant to the discussion?