Posted: May 18th, 2017

While drinking in a bar, Mauricio got angry at another patron’s insults and tried to punch him. The man ducked, however, and Mauricio accidentally punched a woman standing behind him, breaking her nose. Mauricio is charged with battery, which requires an “intentional act to injure another through physical contact.” Will he be found guilty?

While drinking in a bar, Mauricio got angry at another patron’s insults and tried to punch him. The man ducked, however, and Mauricio accidentally punched a woman standing behind him, breaking her nose. Mauricio is charged with battery, which requires an “intentional act to injure another through physical contact.” Will he be found guilty? (A) Yes, because even if Mauricio did not intend to hit the person injured, he did intend to hit another person. (B) Yes, because the intent to hit someone is unnecessary. (C) No, because Mauricio did not intend to hit the person injured. (D) No, because Mauricio’s intent to hit the man who insulted him was justified.