Which tort is defined as harmful or offensive contact intentionally inflicted on another person?

• A. Assault
• B. False imprisonment
• C. Battery
• D. Trespass

Answer: (C)

Battery is an intentional tort defined as harmful or offensive contact inflicted on another person. The key idea is that the defendant purposefully makes contact with the plaintiff (or something closely connected to the plaintiff) and the contact would be harmful or offensive to a reasonable person, even if no injury results. The touch need not cause harm; its very occurrence is enough. Intent to touch is the critical mental element, and that intent can be transferred if the touching was aimed at someone else. This differs from assault, which centers on creating apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact rather than actual contact; false imprisonment involves unlawful confinement; and trespass covers invasion of land or interference with chattels. So the description fits battery best.