NFPA Paralegal Core Competency Exam (PCCE)Substantive LawEasy
A paralegal is working on a criminal case where the defendant is accused of physically harming another individual without any justification. The prosecution alleges that the defendant intentionally struck the victim, causing significant injury. Which of the following criminal offenses is most likely being alleged?
- AArson
- BLarceny
- CBattery
- DBurglary
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Battery
Battery is defined as the intentional harmful or offensive physical contact with another person. The scenario describes intentional physical harm, directly aligning with the definition of battery.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Arson involves the malicious burning of property.
- B. Larceny involves the unlawful taking of personal property.
- D. Burglary involves unlawful entry into a building with intent to commit a felony.
Battery (Criminal Law)
The unlawful application of force to the person of another, resulting in either a harmful contact or an offensive contact.
- Requires intent to apply force, not necessarily intent to harm.
- Physical contact is essential.
- Can be direct or indirect contact.
Memory trick: Assault, Battery, Homicide: Personal Harm Crimes.