California POST Training Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT considered a specific intent crime?

1. Robbery

2. Assault

3. Battery

4. Arson

The correct answer is: Battery

To understand why battery is not considered a specific intent crime, it is important to differentiate between specific intent crimes and general intent crimes. Specific intent crimes require the perpetrator to have a particular purpose or objective in mind at the time of committing the offense. For example, in robbery, the offender must not only intend to take someone else's property (the intent to steal) but also intend to use force or intimidation in doing so. Similarly, arson requires the specific intent to cause a fire or explosion. On the other hand, battery is classified as a general intent crime. This means that the individual does not need to have a specific intent to bring about a particular result; instead, the offender simply needs to have intended to make contact with another person, regardless of the outcome. In the case of battery, the act of intentionally making harmful or offensive contact is sufficient to constitute the crime, regardless of whether there was a specific intention to cause a particular injury or result. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in recognizing how various types of crimes are categorized, particularly in the context of intention behind criminal actions.