What constitutes "self-defense" in criminal law?

In criminal law, "self-defense" is defined as a legal justification for using force to protect oneself from imminent harm or danger. This principle acknowledges that individuals have the right to defend themselves against an attack, provided the response is proportionate to the threat faced. The key components of self-defense include the necessity of the action, the immediacy of the threat, and the reasonableness of the force used.

For example, if someone is being physically assaulted, they may use reasonable force to stop the attack. The force used must not be excessive; it should match the level of threat posed by the attacker. This justification is critical in legal proceedings, as it can determine whether the actions taken by the individual are considered lawful or criminal.

Other options lack this necessary legal context. Using force without justification does not fall under self-defense because it implies an unwarranted act of aggression. Actions taken during a physical altercation are not inherently self-defense unless they meet the legal criteria mentioned earlier. Similarly, while defending someone else can also qualify as self-defense under specific circumstances, it diverges from the direct self-defense of oneself, which is the focus of this question.