What is the legal definition of "battery"?

The legal definition of "battery" is encapsulated in the choice that describes the use of force or violence on another person. This definition is grounded in the understanding that battery involves a deliberate and unlawful application of physical force against another individual. The essential element here is the willful act of making contact with another person in a harmful or offensive manner.

Understanding this definition is crucial because it establishes that battery is not merely about the physical act itself but also involves the intent behind that act. This intent can vary based on circumstances, but the key component is that there is an unlawful application of force, which distinguishes battery from other actions like assault, which may include threats without physical contact.

The other options fail to capture this comprehensive understanding of battery. For instance, unintentional use of force or contact without intent to harm do not meet the legal criteria for battery because they lack the necessary intent or malicious action that characterizes the offense.