Trespass to the Person

What is Trespass to the Person in Tort Law?

Quick Definition

Trespass to the person is a category of tort law that involves direct and intentional interference with an individual's personal rights. It includes acts such as assault, battery, and false imprisonment.

In Context

Trespass to the person is crucial in protecting individuals from unwanted physical contact or restraint. For instance, battery involves intentional and unlawful physical contact, while assault is the act of causing someone to apprehend such contact. False imprisonment occurs when someone is unlawfully restricted in their freedom of movement. A well-known case is Collins v Wilcock (1984), which clarified the distinction between assault and battery. In exams, students often explore the elements required to establish these torts and the defences available.

See Also

• Assault

• Battery

• False Imprisonment

Learn More

Delve into our Tort Law Notes for deeper case law, examples, and revision tips.