Battery is a common offense from which charges can be laid in a civil or criminal court. Every jurisdiction has its own way of defining the term. In general, battery is the act of intentionally using or attempting to use harmful and offensive force (physical contact) against another person or group.
As a civil claim, battery can only be brought as an intentional tort. If the accused individual did not have the specific intent to physically touch another person in a harmful way, battery cannot be charged. If the resultant injury was caused accidentally, the suit is more likely to be deemed as negligence. Battery is frequently confused with assault. Assault is a separate action that includes different requirements.