Which of the following describes the intent needed for a prima facie battery?

In the context of a prima facie case of battery, the requisite intent is specifically the intent to bring about harmful or offensive contact. For a plaintiff to establish battery, they must show that the defendant intended to cause such contact, or knew with substantial certainty that such contact would occur as a result of their actions.

This definition emphasizes that the focus is not necessarily on the intent to cause harm or injury, but rather on the intent to produce contact that is deemed harmful or offensive by societal standards. This intention must arise from the defendant's own actions, setting apart battery from other types of torts that may involve transferred intent or recklessness. In this way, the correct answer captures the essence of what is required for a successful battery claim, focusing on the nature of the defendant's intentions in relation to the contact itself.