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 Kansas, battery is defined under the Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.) as knowingly or recklessly causing bodily harm to another person or causing physical contact with another person in a rude, insulting, or angry manner. Battery can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances, such as the severity of the injury, the use of a deadly weapon, or if the victim is a law enforcement officer or certain other protected classes of individuals. The penalties for battery in Kansas vary based on these factors and can include fines, imprisonment, or both. Additionally, Kansas law allows for the merging of assault and battery into a single offense in certain cases, such as when the act of assault results in physical contact. Beyond criminal charges, battery can also lead to civil liability in Kansas. A victim of battery may file a civil lawsuit seeking monetary damages for injuries suffered due to the intentional act of another person. This is separate from any criminal proceedings and is aimed at compensating the victim for their losses, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.