What is battery?

• A. Any intentional or reckless infliction of force or personal violence
• B. A verbal threat
• C. An accidental harm
• D. Neglecting duty

Answer: (A)

Battery is the actual physical contact that is done intentionally or with reckless disregard for causing contact. The important point is that some form of force or personal violence is applied to another person, and that the actor either intended to make that contact or acted with reckless awareness of the risk that contact would occur. The contact itself must be unwanted and is typically considered harmful or offensive.

This is why it fits the described choice: it captures the element of intentional or reckless infliction of force. Verbal threats, on the other hand, describe assault in many jurisdictions, which involves intimidation or attempted harm rather than actual contact. An accidental bump or injury lacks the required mental state of intent or recklessness, so it isn’t battery. Neglecting duty isn’t about violent contact at all; it’s a different type of liability.