What does battery refer to in a legal context?

In a legal context, battery refers to unlawful contact that occurs when one person intentionally makes physical contact with another without their consent. This can include various forms of physical harm or offensive touching. The key element here is that the contact must be non-consensual and can involve actions such as hitting, pushing, or any unwanted physical interaction that causes injury or offense. This definition aligns with the reasoning behind selecting the correct answer.

The nature of battery emphasizes the lack of permission from the person being contacted, distinguishing it from lawful interactions, which are consensual and acceptable. Thus, the understanding of battery is crucial in determining legal liabilities and responsibilities in various situations, particularly in healthcare settings, where the concept of consent is vital for patient interactions and treatments.