What is required for a charge of "battery" under the Penal Code?

The charge of "battery" under California Penal Code is established when there is the unlawful use of force against another person that results in injury. This definition includes any unwanted or offensive contact, as well as the application of force that leads to physical injury. It focuses on the act of applying force, regardless of whether it was intended to cause serious harm or just some form of contact, as long as it was unlawful.

This definition emphasizes the importance of the action itself rather than merely the intention behind it, which is why options that involve threats, attempts without resulting injury, or unintentional harm do not meet the criteria for battery. In summary, for a charge of battery, the key elements are the unlawful application of force and the resulting injury, which distinguishes it from other forms of aggressive behavior or threats.