What is a key element of felony battery?

A key element of felony battery is that the defendant actually and intentionally touched or struck the victim. This means that for an action to be classified as felony battery, there must be an overt act where the defendant engages in intentional physical contact that results in bodily harm or offensive touching. The requirement for intentionality separates felony battery from other types of conduct, such as negligence or threats, which do not involve direct and purposeful physical interactions.

In legal terms, the intentional act leads to the physical harm or offensive touching necessary to establish the offense of felony battery, making it a far more serious charge than mere negligence or non-physical threats. Understanding this component is crucial for recognizing the legal definitions and implications of battery in a criminal context.