The offensiveness of battery contact is judged by which standard?

• A. Reasonable person standard
• B. Plaintiff's subjective view
• C. Defendant's intent
• D. Society's standard

Answer: (A)

In battery, whether contact is offensive is judged by an objective standard—the reasonable person in the plaintiff’s position would find the contact offensive. This keeps the assessment consistent and focused on how a typical person would react, not on the plaintiff’s personal feelings.

The plaintiff’s subjective view doesn’t control the result; what matters is how a reasonable person would perceive the contact given the circumstances. The defendant’s intent to touch is part of establishing battery (intent to cause contact), but it doesn’t determine how offensive the contact is judged. Saying it should be judged by “society’s standard” is too vague; the recognized standard is the reasonable person in the plaintiff’s situation.