What is battery in the context of personal crimes?

Battery, in the context of personal crimes, is defined as any unwanted physical contact with another person. This means that if an individual intentionally makes contact with another without consent, it falls under the definition of battery, regardless of the severity of the contact. This can range from minor instances, such as a slap or push, to more serious harm, such as punching or hitting.

The emphasis on "unwanted" is crucial; for contact to qualify as battery, the recipient must not have consented to the interaction. Unlike some forms of assault, which may involve threats of harm without physical contact, battery requires that actual physical contact occurs. This distinguishes it as an offense focused on the physical action rather than the intention to frighten or intimidate. Recognizing this distinction helps in understanding the scope of personal crimes and the legal implications involved.