What is considered an offensive contact?

Offensive contact in the context of tort law refers to a situation where an individual experiences contact that would be deemed offensive by a reasonable person. This concept is rooted in the principles of battery, which requires both intent and contact that is harmful or offensive.

The determination of what qualifies as offensive contact is largely based on societal norms and expectations. If an average person in similar circumstances would find the contact to violate their sense of personal dignity or safety, then it is considered offensive. This is distinct from mere annoyance or contact that is trivial in nature, which would not meet the threshold necessary to be classified as offensive.

For instance, if someone were to touch another in a manner that is both unintended and unwelcome, and that contact surprises or disturbs a reasonable person, it would likely fall into the category of offensive contact. The law aims to protect individuals from inappropriate invasions of their personal space and dignity, hence the emphasis on the reasonable person's perspective in defining this term.