What is a defining feature of a simple affray?

A defining feature of a simple affray is that it occurs to the terror of the public. This means that the altercation is not just a private dispute but escalates to the point where it causes fear or concern among bystanders or the general public. An affray is characterized by the disruption it causes in a public space, creating an atmosphere of potential violence that affects those who witness it.

The focus is on the public’s reaction and the disturbance created, rather than the specific actions of the individuals involved or the nature of their confrontation. This makes the public's sense of safety and order crucial in defining an affray. The other aspects mentioned in the other choices, such as the use of excessive force, the requirement for all parties to leave, or the nature of the confrontation being limited to verbal insults, do not encapsulate the essence of what constitutes an affray in a legal context.