If my brother in law choked on me in front of my daughter, what can I do and what are my rights?

I do not understand how his putting pressure on your throat caused a bruise to your arm [I never know if the meanings of all words have changed in modern usgae]. If he was doing it intentionally and you do not mind the intra -family problems, report him to the police. Doing something like that should not be taken as a joke, as it can cause serious injury and mental upset to a child seeing it. Technically, you can sue him for assault and battery. The police may feel they have to deal with more serious crimes, but you should still report it as the person may do something wrong again and the police are more likely to react harsher to a series of illegal acts.