What does Penal Code 242 define?

Penal Code 242 defines battery as the unlawful use of force or violence against another person. The statute outlines that battery requires either the application of force, no matter how slight, or any type of physical contact that can be deemed harmful or offensive. This definition is pertinent in understanding that battery differs from assault, which is typically defined as an attempt to commit battery or the act of causing another to apprehend imminent harm.

In this context, the other choices relate to different legal concepts. Assault is addressed under Penal Code 240, where it entails the intention to inflict harm rather than the actual application of force. Harassment encompasses various behaviors that cause distress, but it does not specifically fit the definition provided in Penal Code 242. Residential burglary describes a crime involving entering a residence with the intent to commit a theft or another felony, which is governed by a separate statute. Understanding the precise definitions and distinctions among these terms is crucial for effective enforcement and legal proceedings.