Battery, in legal terms, refers to the intentional touching or striking of another person against their will or causing bodily harm. Given the varying degrees and circumstances surrounding battery cases, defenses adopted by attorneys play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of a case.

From invoking the self-defense clause to using the consent of the involved parties, the defenses in battery cases are wide-ranging and context-dependent.

This article delves into the most common defenses employed in these cases.

1. Self-Defense

The most commonly cited defense in battery cases, self-defense is invoked when a defendant alleges that their actions were a necessary response to an imminent threat of harm. For this defense to hold:

• The defendant must genuinely believe there was a threat, even if mistaken.
• The response (or force used) must be proportional to the threat perceived.
• The defendant must not have instigated or escalated the situation.

2. Defense of Others

Similar to self-defense, this defense is based on the idea that a person has the right to protect another individual from harm. The person invoking this defense must genuinely believe that the individual they were protecting was in imminent danger.

3. Defense of Property

While property is not held in the same regard as human life, in some jurisdictions, a person can defend their property against theft or damage. The force used in these circumstances should ideally be non-lethal and proportionate to the threat to the property.

4. Consent

In some situations, the alleged victim might have consented to the act, especially in contexts like sports, medical procedures, or certain rituals. For instance, a tackle in a football game is expected and consented to, even if it might result in injury. However, consent is not always an absolute defense. If the force used exceeds the scope of the given consent, battery charges might still apply.

5. Accidental Contact

For battery charges to hold, the act must be intentional. If a person can prove that the contact was purely accidental and that they had no intention of causing harm, it can be used as a defense.

6. Lack of Credibility of the Victim

If there are reasons to believe that the victim's account of the events is not trustworthy or has inconsistencies, it can cast doubt on the battery charges. This defense relies heavily on witness testimonies, video evidence, and other corroborative elements.

Every battery case is unique, and the defense strategy needs to be tailored to the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. A skilled attorney can assess the situation, gather relevant evidence, and employ the most fitting defense to ensure justice is served. 

For more info, contact a local battery lawyer.