Privilege to use reasonable force to protect oneself from imminent harmful or offensive contact caused by another's tortious conduct. Defendant must reasonably believe force necessary to prevent imminent harm. Force used must be proportionate to threatened harm - deadly force only justified against deadly force threat. No duty to retreat before using non-deadly force (majority rule). Aggressor who provokes confrontation cannot claim self-defense privilege unless withdraws and communicates withdrawal.
Related terms
Battery — An intentional harmful or offensive contact with another person. Requires: (1) intent to cause contact, (2) harmful or…
Assault — An intentional act that creates a reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact. No actual contact is…
Defense of Others — Privilege to use reasonable force to defend third persons from imminent harmful or offensive contact. Traditionally limited to…
Defense of Property — Privilege to use reasonable force to prevent or terminate trespass to land or chattels. Cannot use deadly force…
Consent — Complete defense to intentional torts when plaintiff expressly or impliedly manifests willingness for defendant's conduct. May be express…
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