Battery is generally a harmful or offensive contact with another person, without the person’s consent. Battery may be the basis for a criminal charge or offense. The definition and penalties for battery vary from state to state, and are usually located in a state's penal or criminal code (statutes). In some states the crimes of assault and battery are merged into one criminal offense.

Battery is also recognized in tort law as an intentional tort, and may result in civil liability (money damages) in a lawsuit against a person who commits battery.

In Arkansas, battery is defined under the state's criminal code and is considered a serious offense. The law distinguishes between different degrees of battery, with the severity of the charge depending on factors such as the intent of the offender, the degree of injury caused, and the status of the victim (e.g., if the victim is a law enforcement officer or a minor). For example, Arkansas Code Annotated § 5-13-201 defines first-degree battery as intentionally causing serious physical injury to another person, among other criteria. Penalties for battery can range from fines to imprisonment, and the exact punishment depends on the degree of the battery charge. Additionally, Arkansas recognizes battery as an intentional tort in civil law, which means that a victim can sue the perpetrator for monetary damages. This civil liability is separate from any criminal charges and is pursued through a civil lawsuit where the victim must prove the battery occurred and resulted in harm or damages.