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 Missouri, battery is not defined as a separate criminal offense but is encompassed under the term 'assault.' Missouri Revised Statutes define various degrees of assault, ranging from first to fourth degree, with varying levels of harm and intent. For example, first-degree assault, which involves serious physical injury or a special victim, is a more severe offense than fourth-degree assault, which may involve more minor physical contact or apprehension of such contact. Penalties for assault in Missouri can range from fines and imprisonment to probation, depending on the degree of the offense and the circumstances involved. Additionally, battery can be pursued as a civil cause of action in Missouri. In civil court, a victim of battery may sue the perpetrator for monetary damages. To succeed, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant intentionally performed a harmful or offensive contact without the plaintiff's consent. The civil remedy is separate from any criminal proceedings and is aimed at compensating the victim for injuries and other losses resulting from the battery.