Self Defence Flashcards
What is self-defense?
The act of protecting oneself from physical harm.
True or False: Self-defense laws vary by jurisdiction.
True
Fill in the blank: The principle of _____ states that force used in self-defense must be proportional to the threat faced.
proportionality
What is the ‘reasonable person’ standard in self-defense evaluations?
A legal standard used to determine if a person’s actions were appropriate based on what a reasonable person would do in the same situation.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a common requirement for a self-defense claim? A) Imminent threat B) Proportional response C) Prior relationship with the attacker D) Reasonable belief of danger
C) Prior relationship with the attacker
What does the term ‘duty to retreat’ refer to in self-defense law?
The obligation to avoid using deadly force if it is safe to retreat from the situation.
True or False: In some jurisdictions, a person may have no duty to retreat before using force.
True
What is the difference between ‘self-defense’ and ‘defense of others’?
Self-defense protects oneself, while defense of others protects another person from harm.
Fill in the blank: The use of _____ force is justified when faced with an imminent threat of serious bodily harm or death.
deadly
Multiple Choice: Which of the following factors is NOT considered in evaluating self-defense? A) Nature of the threat B) Size of the parties involved C) Location of the incident D) Attacker’s past criminal record
D) Attacker’s past criminal record
What is an ‘imminent threat’ in the context of self-defense?
A threat that is immediate and unavoidable, requiring a prompt response.
True or False: A person can claim self-defense if they initiated the confrontation.
False
What does the term ‘stand your ground’ law mean?
A law that allows individuals to use force without retreating when they believe they are in imminent danger.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a key component of a successful self-defense claim? A) The attacker was known to the defender B) The defender suffered injuries C) The defender had a weapon D) The defender had a reasonable belief of imminent harm
D) The defender had a reasonable belief of imminent harm
What is the significance of ‘imperfect self-defense’?
It refers to situations where the use of force was not entirely justified but may reduce liability for a crime.
Fill in the blank: A successful self-defense claim can lead to a _____ verdict.
not guilty
What role does the ‘perceived threat’ play in self-defense evaluations?
It assesses how the defender perceived the threat at the moment of the incident.
True or False: Self-defense can only be claimed in response to physical attacks.
False
What is the ‘castle doctrine’?
A legal doctrine that allows individuals to use force to defend themselves in their homes without a duty to retreat.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a common misconception about self-defense? A) It must be proportional B) It can be used to retaliate C) It applies to non-lethal threats D) It can involve defending others
B) It can be used to retaliate
What is the importance of evidence in self-defense cases?
Evidence supports the claim that the use of force was necessary and justified under the circumstances.
Fill in the blank: The principle of _____ means that the defender must not have started the confrontation to claim self-defense.
escalation
What does ‘force continuum’ refer to in self-defense?
A model that outlines the appropriate levels of force to be used in response to varying levels of threat.
