What is defined as the unconsented-to touching or striking of one person by another?

The correct answer is battery, which is defined as the intentional and unlawful physical contact with another person without their consent. This can involve direct touching or striking and is characterized by the intent to cause harmful or offensive contact. In the context of healthcare, understanding battery is crucial, as it relates to the ethical and legal obligations of healthcare providers to obtain informed consent from patients before proceeding with any medical procedures or treatments.

The term assault, while commonly misunderstood, refers specifically to the threat or attempt to cause harm, where the victim is put in reasonable fear of imminent harmful or offensive contact, but does not involve actual physical contact. Breach of duty pertains to a failure to meet the standard of care required in a professional, particularly in medical malpractice, and negligence involves a failure to act as a reasonably prudent person would, leading to harm. Both breach of duty and negligence focus more on the standard of care and the fulfillment of obligations rather than on the act of non-consensual contact itself.