Kentucky Private Investigator Practice Test

Which criminal act involves intentionally causing a serious physical injury by a deadly weapon?

1. First degree robbery

2. Second degree assault

3. First degree assault

4. Third degree assault

The correct answer is: First degree assault

The act of intentionally causing serious physical injury through the use of a deadly weapon falls under first degree assault. This is characterized by the severity of the injuries inflicted and the intent behind the action. First degree assault generally requires that the perpetrator acted intentionally or with extreme indifference to human life, and used a weapon capable of causing significant harm. This distinguishes it from lesser degrees of assault, which may involve less severe injuries or lack the use of a deadly weapon. In contrast, second degree assault typically involves causing substantial physical injury without necessarily the use of a deadly weapon, or causing injuries recklessly. First degree robbery focuses on theft while using force or threat of force, but does not specifically address the infliction of physical injury with intent. Third degree assault is usually categorized as less severe, often involving minor injuries without the use of a deadly weapon. Understanding the definitions and legal implications of these classifications helps differentiate the nature and severity of the actions involved.