Which term describes unauthorized touching?

The correct term that describes unauthorized touching is battery. In legal terms, battery refers to the intentional and unlawful physical contact with another person without their consent. This can include any form of touching that is offensive, harmful, or intended to cause offense, regardless of whether physical injury occurs.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it distinguishes battery from other similar terms, like assault, which involves the threat or attempt to cause harm rather than actual physical contact. Negligence refers to a failure to take reasonable care to avoid causing injury or loss to another person, and malpractice specifically involves professional misconduct or failure to meet the standards of care in a professional setting, often by healthcare providers. Thus, recognizing the nuances in these definitions helps clarify the legal implications surrounding unauthorized touching.