Which statement best defines Battery under MBE?

• A. The unlawful application of force to another, resulting in either bodily injury or an offensive touching
• B. The threat of force without contact
• C. The intent to deprive property permanently
• D. Causing fear of imminent harm

Answer: (A)

Battery under the MBE is about an intentional, unlawful application of force to another person, and the contact must be either harmful or offensive. The crucial points are that the act is intentional and directed at another person, the force is unlawful, and the contact itself constitutes the offense whether or not it results in actual injury. Because it covers offensive touching as well as bodily injury, the act can be committed even if no injury occurs—the touching itself is enough to meet the element.

Misdirections: threats without contact describe assault, not battery; attempting to deprive property permanently describes theft or larceny; causing fear of imminent harm also aligns with assault. So the statement that matches the defined elements—unlawful application of force to another, resulting in bodily injury or offensive touching—best defines Battery.