Offensive Contact

Pronunciation: uh-FEN-siv KON-takt

Torts › Against Persons

Definition

Contact that offends reasonable sense of personal dignity even if not harmful. Battery requires either harmful or offensive contact. Offensive contact determined by reasonable person standard. Includes contact with objects closely associated with person. Intent to contact sufficient - need not intend harm or offense.

Related terms

• Battery — An intentional harmful or offensive contact with another person. Requires: (1) intent to cause contact, (2) harmful or…
• Assault — An intentional act that creates a reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact. No actual contact is…
• Consent — Complete defense to intentional torts when plaintiff expressly or impliedly manifests willingness for defendant's conduct. May be express…

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