How is battery defined?

Battery is defined as the unlawful and intentional touching of another person without their consent. This definition emphasizes that consent is a crucial factor; when someone touches another person against their will, it constitutes battery, regardless of whether actual physical injury occurs.

In this context, the focus is on the act of touching—any form of unwelcome physical contact can be considered battery. It is important to understand that the intent behind the action and the absence of consent are what classify the behavior as battery, not necessarily the severity of any resulting injury. This helps clarify why the other definitions, such as treating someone offensively or threatening to harm them, do not fulfill the legal criteria that define battery.