What is the legal definition of battery?

The legal definition of battery specifically pertains to the concept of forceful or violent touching of another person. This means that a person can be charged with battery if they physically touch someone in a harmful or offensive manner, regardless of whether the intent was to cause injury. The core element of battery is the physical act itself, which distinguishes it from other related offenses like assault, where the focus is more on the threat or attempt to cause harm rather than the actual physical contact.

In a legal context, this definition encompasses a wide range of actions, including hitting, pushing, or any form of non-consensual physical contact that results in harm or offense. This understanding emphasizes the importance of the physical aspect of the crime, as it directly relates to the rights of individuals to be free from unwanted or harmful interactions.

The other options deal with different aspects of harm where physical contact may not necessarily occur. For instance, threats of harm do not constitute battery unless they are acted upon. Similarly, attempts to cause injury without touching someone do not meet the criteria for battery, which requires actual physical contact. Lastly, causing emotional harm does not fall within the definition of battery, as it does not involve the physical touching element that is central to this offense.