Self-defense

Self-defense is the act of using reasonable force to protect oneself or others from imminent harm or danger. It is grounded in the natural human instinct to preserve life and safety and is recognized as a legal justification for using force in response to an immediate threat.

Key elements that define lawful self-defense include:

• Imminent Threat: The danger must be immediate and unavoidable, with a reasonable and real fear of harm at the moment force is used.
• Proportional Force: The force applied must be proportionate to the threat faced, not excessive or beyond what is necessary to repel the attack.
• Reasonableness: The person must genuinely believe that force is necessary, and this belief must be objectively reasonable given the circumstances.
• No Initial Aggression: The defender cannot be the initial aggressor or provoke the attack.
• Duty to Retreat: Depending on jurisdiction, there may or may not be a legal obligation to retreat before using force (some places have "Stand Your Ground" laws).

Self-defense can be used as a legal defense in criminal cases involving assault, battery, or homicide, provided these conditions are met. It also extends to protecting others and, in some cases, property, though lethal force is generally only justified when personal safety is at risk.

In summary, self-defense is the justified use of force to prevent imminent harm, judged by the immediacy of the threat, the proportionality of the response, and the reasonableness of the defender's belief in the necessity of that force.