Threat, criminal threatening (or threatening behavior) is the crime of intentionally or knowingly putting another person in fear of bodily injury. "Threat of harm generally involves a perception of injury... physical or mental damage...

What classifies a threat?

The definition of a threat is a statement of an intent to harm or punish, or a something that presents an imminent danger or harm. If you tell someone "I am going to kill you," this is an example of a threat. A person who has the potential to blow up a building is an example of a threat.

What is the crime for threatening someone?

California Penal Code 422 PC provides the legal definition of a “criminal threat” (formerly referred to as a “terrorist threat”). This section makes it a crime to threaten another person with immediate harm when you intend to – and in fact do – cause reasonable and sustained fear in that individual.