Which term describes the act of touching another person’s body without their consent?

The act of touching another person’s body without their consent is best described by the term "battery." This definition encompasses the unauthorized or harmful physical contact with another individual. Battery is a legal term that implies an intentional and unlawful act of physical contact that can cause injury or offense, whether it results in physical harm or not.

In a legal context, battery is often considered a tort and a criminal offense, distinct from assault, which typically refers to the threat of harm or the attempt to cause harm. While assault may precede battery, it does not involve the actual physical contact necessary to qualify as battery.

Understanding the distinction between battery and other legal terms such as felony or misdemeanor is vital. A felony generally refers to a more severe crime that can lead to imprisonment for more than one year, while a misdemeanor is a lesser offense which could result in less severe penalties, typically not exceeding a year of incarceration. Battery, depending on the severity and context, can fall into either category, but it is specifically the unauthorized touching that directly aligns with this definition.