What type of contact must a defendant's act result in for a battery claim?

For a battery claim, the act of the defendant must result in harmful or offensive contact with the plaintiff. This means that the contact can lead to physical injury, pain, or impairment, or it can be considered offensive based on societal standards, even if it does not cause bodily harm. The essence of battery lies in the invasion of a person's physical integrity, either through direct infliction of harm or through contact deemed offensive.

The necessity for the contact to be harmful or offensive is key because it establishes the threshold for what constitutes a battery. The law recognizes that not all contact is permissible; some forms of contact can violate individual rights to personal safety and dignity.

In contrast, passive and indirect contact does not meet the requirements for battery, as active engagement or intent to bring about contact is essential to successfully establish a claim. Similarly, while intentionality is a component of battery, the claim also hinges on the nature of the contact itself—simply having intent does not suffice if the contact does not result in a harmful or offensive manner. Non-offensive touch, even if made intentionally, would not satisfy the criteria for a battery claim, as it fails to disturb the personal autonomy or safety of the individual involved.