What is the Intentional Infliction of Mental Distress?

The intentional infliction of mental distress upon another is a form of battery to the emotions.

What are the requirements for a legal action based on Intentional Infliction of Mental Distress?

 Like a battery, Infliction of Emotional Distress is caused by intentional conduct that carries a strong probability of causing mental distress to the person at whom it is directed. Generally, the conduct must be very extreme or outrageous in nature to result in emotional distress. To recover for this tort, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the intentional conduct actually caused her mental distress that manifests itself physically.

• Example: Intentionally exposing a person to extreme ridicule in front of a large crown may constitute such a tort.