What is the legal basis for using "self-defense"?

The legal basis for using self-defense revolves around the principle that individuals have the right to protect themselves from imminent harm. This concept is grounded in the recognition that, when faced with an immediate threat of violence, individuals may need to take action to defend themselves. The law typically stipulates that the force used in self-defense must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat faced. This means that the individual defending themselves can use force, but only to the extent necessary to avert the danger posed by the aggressor.

The requirement for the threat to be imminent underscores the need for self-defense to be a reactive response rather than a preemptive one; it must occur in response to an immediate situation where there is a realistic fear for one's safety. Thus, the legal framework supports the use of reasonable force in self-defense, making it a vital component of personal rights within the criminal justice system. This answer highlights the central tenet of self-defense law and its application to both criminal and civil contexts, delineating the boundaries of acceptable conduct in such scenarios.