Facts
Two schoolboys were involved in horseplay; one pulled the other's bag, causing him to fall and be injured.
Issue
Must a involve 'hostile' touching?
Held
The Court of Appeal said a battery requires an intentional touching that is 'hostile', and sent the case to trial on the facts.
Principle
Unless it is obvious from the act itself, the claimant must show that the touching was hostile.
Why it matters
Controversial: later cases have doubted the hostility requirement, but it remains a leading authority.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Wilson v Pringle [1987] QB 237 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/wilson-v-pringle> accessed 31 October 2026
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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.