What is required for a contact to be classified as battery?

To classify a contact as battery, there must be an intent to cause contact that results in harm or offense. In tort law, battery is defined not just by the contact itself, but by the nature of the intent behind it. A person can be held liable for battery if they intentionally cause harmful or offensive contact with another person, regardless of whether there is a desire to cause injury.

Intent refers to the individual's purpose or knowledge that such contact is substantially certain to occur. It's essential that the contact is not only intended but also results in harm or offense to the victim, confirming that the action goes beyond mere accidental contact. The element of offense is crucial here as it encompasses situations where the contact, while not physically damaging, might still be deemed inappropriate or unwanted, thereby fulfilling the criteria for battery.

In contrast to the other options, which either limit the scope of intent, mischaracterize the nature of battery, or misunderstand the fundamental principles of tort law, this answer correctly captures the necessary elements for establishing battery under Georgia law.