  We present the generalization of the two-dimensional quantum scattering
formalism to systems with Rashba spin-orbit coupling. Using symmetry
considerations, we show that the differential scattering cross section depends
on the spin state of the incident electron, and skew scattering may arise even
for central spin-independent scattering potentials. The skew scattering effect
is demonstrated by exact results of a simple hard wall impurity model. The
magnitude of the effect for short-range impurities is estimated using the first
Born approximation. The exact formalism we present can serve as a foundation
for further theoretical investigations.
