Vosburg v. Putney

Vosburg (plaintiff) and Putney (defendant), classmates, sat across the aisle when Putney lightly kicked Vosburg in the shin after the teacher had called class to order. Vosburg did not initially feel it, but soon suffered severe, worsening pain from an underlying condition in the same leg, ultimately requiring surgery that revealed a diseased state possibly aggravated by the kick.

Whether intent to do harm is required for liability for assault and battery.