Which term refers to the unlawful touching of another person without consent?

The term that refers to the unlawful touching of another person without consent is battery. Battery involves physically harmful or offensive contact with another individual, and it is characterized by the fact that the individual did not consent to the touch. This can include actions that cause physical harm or even actions that are insulting or offensive, even if they do not result in injury.

Understanding this term is crucial because it highlights the importance of consent in both legal and ethical contexts. In medical or caregiving situations, for example, obtaining consent before any physical interaction is essential to maintain trust and adhere to legal standards.

Assault, while often associated with battery, specifically refers to the act of threatening harm or creating a fear of imminent harmful contact, but does not necessarily involve actual physical contact. Negligence refers to a failure to take proper care in doing something, which can result in harm, but it is a broader concept that does not specifically involve unlawful touching. Malpractice refers to improper, illegal, or negligent professional activity or treatment, especially by a healthcare professional, but it does not specifically define the act of unlawful touching without consent.