What constitutes battery in legal terms?

Battery, in legal terms, is defined as intentional and wrongful physical contact with another person without their consent. This means that for an action to be classified as battery, there must be a deliberate intention to harm or offend another individual through physical touch or contact. The contact can be direct, such as hitting someone, or indirect, such as setting a trap that causes injury. The key elements of battery include the intent to inflict harm and the absence of consent from the victim, solidifying its status as an unlawful act.

The emphasis on intentionality differentiates battery from other offenses, as it requires that the perpetrator acted with the purpose of causing harm. Additionally, the lack of consent highlights the violation of personal autonomy and physical integrity, critical components in determining the nature of the offense. Thus, understanding battery as a physical offense helps clarify distinctions between different types of wrongdoing in legal situations.