Originally Posted by
jsloan
Under 49 USC §46506, any crime under 18 USC §113 that occurs on an airplane is prosecutable as a federal offense. 18 USC §113(a)(5) covers simple assault, which can include unwanted touching.
In other words, Davis's own words make him appear guilty. Assault does not require intent.
Now, I wasn't there, and the fact that the FA appears to have reconsidered the matter suggest that he reflected further and decided that it was much ado about nothing. But, a good rule of thumb is not to go around touching other people without permission.
I've had FAs tap me, tug on my shirt and place their hand on my arm while trying to get my attention (and, since I was asleep during these instances, it was without my permission). I had no idea that it was forbidden.