Self-defense:

Self-defense is the use of reasonable force to protect oneself from an aggressor.

Self-defense shields a person from criminal liability for the harm inflicted on the aggressor.

For example, a robbery victim who takes the robber’s weapon and uses it against the robber during a struggle won’t be liable for assault and battery since he can show that his action was reasonably necessary to protect himself from imminent harm.

Legal Definitions Related to Self-defense

• Assault

  A crime that occurs when one person tries to physically harm another in a way that makes the person under attack feel immediately threatened. Actual ...

• Intentional tort

  A deliberate act that causes harm to another, for which the victim may sue the wrongdoer for damages. Acts of domestic violence, such as assault ...

• Affirmative defense

  An explanation for a defendant's actions that excuses or justifies his behavior. For example, acting in self-defense is a common affirmative defense to a charge ...

• Liable

  Legally responsible. For example, a person may be liable for a debt, liable for an accident due to careless behavior, liable for failing do something ...

• Battery

  A crime consisting of physical contact that is intended to harm someone. Unintentional harmful contact is not battery, no mater how careless the behavior or ...