Assault without bodily injury: Why criminal liability may still arise?

In everyday life, personal conflicts and disputes may arise from seemingly minor situations. Many people believe that if an act of physical assault does not result in bodily injury, or if a forensic assessment concludes that the victim’s injury rate is 0%, the incident is merely a “minor matter” and does not give rise to serious legal consequences. While this perception is common, it is not entirely accurate under Vietnamese criminal law. 

In practice, whether an act is subject to criminal prosecution does not depend solely on the percentage of bodily injury. Instead, it also depends on the protected legal interest infringed upon, the nature and level of social danger of the conduct, and the context in which the act occurs. 

This article analyzes the current legal framework to clarify: (i) when an act of assault does not constitute the crime of intentional infliction of bodily harm; and (ii) in which circumstances, even without causing bodily injury, the perpetrator may still face criminal liability under a different criminal offense. 

1. Failure to constitute the Crime of Intentional Infliction of Bodily Harm under Article 134 of the Criminal Code

1.1. Conditions for Criminal Liability under Article 134 

Pursuant to Clause 1 Article 134 of the 2015 Criminal Code (as amended and supplemented in 2017), the crime of intentional infliction of bodily harm or damage to another person’s health is established only when one of the following conditions is met:  

  1. The victim’s bodily injury rate is 11% or higher; or
  2. The bodily injury rate is below 11%, but the act falls within specific aggravating circumstances prescribed by law, such as the use of dangerous weapons, hooliganism, organized commission of the offense, assault against a person performing official duties, or other cases expressly stipulated by law.

Accordingly, where a forensic assessment determines that the victim has suffered no bodily injury (0%), and the conduct does not fall within any of the aforementioned aggravating circumstances, there is insufficient legal basis to prosecute the offender for the crime of intentional infliction of bodily harm under Article 134.  

1.2. Legal significance of a “0% bodily injury” conclusion 

A forensic conclusion on the bodily injury rate is an important piece of evidence in the handling of criminal cases. However, it should be noted that a conclusion of “0% bodily injury” only excludes criminal liability with respect to the specific offense under Article 134. It does not mean that the conduct is entirely exempt from criminal liability under other provisions of criminal law.  

2. Nocriminal liabilityunder Article 134, but criminal liability may still arise 

2.1. Possibility of prosecution for Disturbing public order (Article 318 of the Criminal Code)  

Article 318 of the 2015 Criminal Code provides for the offense of disturbing public order. Under this provision, any person who commits acts that disturb public order and adversely affect public security, order, or safety may be subject to criminal liability, regardless of whether bodily injury is caused. 

The fundamental difference between Article 134 and Article 318 lies in the protected legal interest. While Article 134 protects an individual’s health, Article 318 protects public order and social security. Therefore, an act of assault that does not cause bodily injury but takes place in a manner that disrupts public order may still be subject to criminal prosecution.  

2.2. When can an act of assault be considered Disturbing public order? 

In legal practice, an act of assault may be examined under Article 318 of the Criminal Code if it exhibits one or more of the following characteristics: 

  1. The act occurs in a public place or an environment of a public nature; 
  2. The act disrupts public order or interferes with the normal activities of the surrounding community; 
  3. The conduct demonstrates aggressiveness, hooliganism, or involves the participation or incitement of multiple individuals;
  4. The incident causes negative public reaction, social outrage, or adversely affects public security and order. 

In such cases, the absence of bodily injury or a bodily injury rate of 0% does not preclude the possibility of criminal liability for disturbing public order. 

3. Where criminal liability does not arise:Administrative sanctions may still apply 

If an act of assault does not reach the level of social danger required for criminal prosecution under Article 134 or Article 318 of the Criminal Code, the offender may still be subject to administrative penalties.  

Pursuant to Decree No. 282/2025/ND-CP on administrative sanctions in the field of security and public order, acts infringing upon another person’s bodily integrity that do not amount to criminal offenses may be subject to monetary fines at a significant level, together with remedial measures such as requiring the cessation of the unlawful conduct or a public apology, where applicable. 

4. Potential civilliability 

In parallel with criminal or administrative liability, a person who commits an act of assault may also be required to bear non-contractual civil liability under the 2015 Civil Code.  

According to Articles 584 and 590 of the Civil Code, a person causing damage must compensate for such damage if all requisite elements are present, including an unlawful act, actual damage, and a causal relationship between the act and the damage. Where the victim incurs medical examination or treatment expenses, or can demonstrate mental suffering, these damages may still be claimed through civil litigation.  

5. Conclusion: Legallessons from everyday conflicts

From a legal perspective, a conclusion that an assault “does not cause bodily injury” does not mean that the act is entirely free from legal consequences. Vietnamese criminal law allows competent authorities to assess a single act under different legal frameworks, depending on the protected legal interest infringed and the extent of its impact on society. 

Accordingly, individuals should be fully aware that the use of violence, even in seemingly minor situations, carries significant legal risks. Exercising restraint and choosing lawful means to resolve conflicts not only helps avoid legal consequences but also contributes to maintaining public order and social safety in a sustainable manner. 

Date written: 20/1/2026



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