A Level Law Practice Exam

According to Collins v. Wilcox, what is an example of force?

1. A minimal touch that harms the victim

2. Casual jostling in a crowded area

3. Touching that is slight and unintentional

4. The slightest touching can constitute force

The correct answer is: The slightest touching can constitute force

In the case of Collins v. Wilcox, the court established that the definition of force in the context of battery does not require significant harm or aggression. Instead, it can be established by the act of touching another person, no matter how slight that touch may be. This principle acknowledges that even a minimal or non-aggressive contact can satisfy the criteria for what constitutes force under law. The ruling emphasizes that battery can arise from the slightest non-consensual touching, which reflects the protection of personal autonomy and bodily integrity. Thus, the argument is that even the tiniest physical interaction can be legally recognized as constituting force. This foundational understanding is critical in establishing liability in cases of battery, reinforcing that consent is a necessary condition for lawful touching. In this context, the other choices do not align with the legal significance given to the term "force." Minimal touches that harm, casual jostling, and slight unintentional touching are considered instances where the agreement to touch or the circumstances may negate the element of force, thereby falling outside the scope defined in Collins v. Wilcox.