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 Mississippi, battery is considered a form of assault and is covered under the state's assault laws. Mississippi Code Section 97-3-7 defines simple assault, which can include an attempt to cause or purposely, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another, or negligently causing bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon or other means likely to produce death or serious bodily harm. This can encompass acts of battery. The penalties for assault (and by extension, battery) in Mississippi vary depending on the severity of the injury, the use of a deadly weapon, and the victim's status (e.g., a law enforcement officer, vulnerable adult, or minor). For example, simple assault against a regular individual is a misdemeanor, but if the victim is a protected class, it can be a felony.

In addition to criminal charges, battery can also be pursued as a civil claim in Mississippi. As an intentional tort, a victim of battery may file a lawsuit seeking monetary damages from the perpetrator. This civil liability is separate from any criminal proceedings and requires the victim to prove that the perpetrator intentionally performed a harmful or offensive contact without consent, resulting in damages.