In Fuerschbach v. Southwest Airlines, where Fuerschbach was "arrested" by the police as a prank at work, the appeals court held that there could be a tort of assault and battery by the police because:
A) the officers did not intend to cause an offensive contact, but ultimately did cause an offensive contact
B) the officers intended to cause an offensive contact, but did not actually cause an offensive contact
C) the officers intended to cause an offensive contact and did cause an offensive contact
D) the officers did not intend to cause an offensive contact and did not cause an offensive contact
E) none of the other choices

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The officers intended to cause an offensive contact and did cause an offensive contact, which meets the elements of assault and battery. The prank arrest, even though it was intended as a joke, caused harm and unwanted physical contact to the plaintiff. Therefore, the court held that the police officers were liable for assault and battery.

In Fuerschbach V