What factors determine the penalty for assaulting a public employee under mandated duties?

The correct choice highlights that the penalty for assaulting a public employee while they are performing their mandated duties is influenced by specifically knowing the victim's occupation and the act of inflicting bodily harm. This aspect is critical because it recognizes the unique position of public employees who are often engaged in service to the community and are vulnerable to assaults simply due to their roles.

The law typically considers the perpetrator's knowledge of the victim's status as a public employee when determining the severity of the penalty, emphasizing the importance of the role that public employees play in society. By identifying the occupation of the victim and applying a specific measure for bodily harm, the legislation reflects a commitment to protect public employees in their line of duty and to deter attacks against them.

The other factors presented do not directly influence the legal penalties in the same significant manner. While injury severity and intent (as mentioned in the other option) are general principles in many assault laws, the focus on the victim's occupation makes this answer particularly relevant to assaults against public employees. The presence of witnesses or the time of day may affect the circumstances surrounding an incident but do not carry the same weight in determining the specific penalties for assaults in this context.