Personal injuries often involve intentional torts. Intent is the key characteristic of intentional torts.

As the word implies, these torts require the wrongdoer to intend to cause harm. Mere negligence or chance is not sufficient. We will explore this later when we consider the different types of intentional torts and defenses to these torts. For now, one must simply understand that intentional torts are grouped together by this intent requirement.

Intentional torts include injuries to persons and to property. Injuries to persons include battery, assault, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress. Injuries to property include trespass to land or personal property and conversion. Each of these warrants further consideration. We’ll consider battery and assault first.