Which statement best defines battery?

• A. Intentional and wrongful physical contact with a person that entails an injury or offensive touching
• B. A mental distress
• C. Invasion of privacy
• D. Defamation by publishing false statements

Answer: (A)

Battery in tort law means intentional and wrongful physical contact with another person that is harmful or offensive and without consent. The key is that the contact is intentional and occurs without permission, and it can be enough even if no lasting injury results—the touching itself being offensive or harmful is what creates liability. This is distinct from assault, which involves creating apprehension of imminent harmful contact, and from other torts like intentional infliction of emotional distress (causing severe mental distress), invasion of privacy (unauthorized intrusion or disclosure), or defamation (publishing false statements about someone). So the statement that defines battery captures the essential element: deliberate, unwanted physical contact.