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 Michigan, battery is legally recognized as intentional, harmful, or offensive physical contact with another person without their consent. It is considered a criminal offense under Michigan's penal code. The state differentiates between simple battery and aggravated battery, with the latter involving more serious harm or the intent to cause serious harm. Penalties for battery in Michigan can include fines, imprisonment, or both, and are determined based on the severity of the offense and any prior criminal history of the offender. Additionally, Michigan law allows for battery to be addressed as an intentional tort in civil court, where a victim can sue the perpetrator for monetary damages. It's important to note that in Michigan, the terms 'assault' and 'battery' are often used together in criminal charges (e.g., 'assault and battery'), but they represent distinct offenses; assault does not require physical contact, while battery does.