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 Pennsylvania, the term 'battery' is not used explicitly in the criminal statutes; instead, the state refers to the offense as 'simple assault' or 'aggravated assault.' Simple assault is generally defined as attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another, negligently causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon, or physically menacing another to put them in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Aggravated assault is a more serious offense and involves causing or attempting to cause serious bodily injury to another, or causing injury with indifference to the value of human life. The penalties for these offenses vary based on the severity of the injury and the circumstances of the crime, with aggravated assault carrying stiffer penalties, potentially including significant prison time. In civil law, battery in Pennsylvania is recognized as an intentional tort. If someone commits battery, they may be held liable in a civil lawsuit and required to pay monetary damages to the victim. This is separate from any criminal charges and is intended to compensate the victim for injuries and other losses resulting from the battery.