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 Minnesota, the term 'battery' is not commonly used in the criminal statutes; instead, the state refers to offenses involving harmful or offensive contact as 'assault.' Minnesota law defines several degrees of assault, ranging from misdemeanor to felony, depending on factors such as the severity of the victim's injuries, the use of a weapon, and the perpetrator's intent. For example, fifth-degree assault, which involves the infliction of bodily harm or the attempt to cause fear of bodily harm, is a misdemeanor, while more serious harm or the use of a weapon can result in charges of first through fourth-degree assault, which are felonies.

In civil law, battery in Minnesota is considered an intentional tort, as it is in other states. A victim of battery can sue the perpetrator in civil court for monetary damages. The elements of a civil battery claim typically include an intentional and unpermitted act leading to harmful or offensive contact with the victim's person. The victim must prove these elements to hold the perpetrator liable for damages resulting from the battery.