#38 · 2026-09-13 · Legal term
Battery
Battery can involve offensive contact with an object closely connected to a person. The intentional, unprivileged contact with the held plate can suffice without physical injury or advance awareness.
Rule to remember
Civil battery is an intentional, unprivileged act resulting in harmful or offensive contact with another's person, including closely connected objects.
Key elements and checks
- The required intent and an act.
- Resulting harmful or offensive contact.
- No applicable consent or privilege.
In the source’s words
“Contact may extend not only to the plaintiff’s body but also to items closely connected to it”
Cornell Wex — Battery
Jurisdictions differ on the precise intent requirement. Awareness before contact and proof of physical injury are not always necessary.