In legal terms, what does 'battery' require from the assailant?

The definition of 'battery' in legal terms fundamentally revolves around the concept of force. For an act to qualify as battery, it must involve any unlawful application of force against another person, regardless of the intent behind the action or the degree of harm that results. This means that even minimal contact that can be considered offensive or harmful can constitute battery, as long as it is done without the consent of the person affected.

While the options concerning advanced planning, intimidation, or emotional distress address important aspects of various offenses, they do not align with the specific legal definition of battery. Battery does not require premeditation; it also does not need the assailant to intend to intimidate or inflict severe emotional distress on the victim. Therefore, the essence of battery lies in the actual physical application of force, making the choice regarding any application of force to another person the correct understanding of what battery entails in legal contexts.