Which statement defines Battery's elements in common law?

Which statement defines Battery's elements in common law?

• A. The unlawful application of force to another, resulting in either bodily injury or an offensive touching
• B. The threat of force without contact
• C. The valid use of force in self-defense
• D. The act of stealing property

Answer: (A)

Battery turns on intentional, unlawful touching of another person that results in bodily harm or an offensive contact. The touch itself is the wrong, and it doesn’t have to cause injury—the key is that it’s either harmful or offensive and done without privilege or consent. So even a small, unwanted touch that would offend a reasonable person counts, as long as it’s intentional and not justified. This distinguishes battery from assault (the threat of force without contact) and from actions like self-defense (a justified use of force) or theft (larceny).

Battery turns on intentional, unlawful touching of another person that results in bodily harm or an offensive contact. The touch itself is the wrong, and it doesn’t have to cause injury—the key is that it’s either harmful or offensive and done without privilege or consent. So even a small, unwanted touch that would offend a reasonable person counts, as long as it’s intentional and not justified. This distinguishes battery from assault (the threat of force without contact) and from actions like self-defense (a justified use of force) or theft (larceny).