Self-Defense
Who started it? How much force did the defendant use? These are the kinds of questions that arise in self-defense cases. Look below for some basic information on the best known affirmative defense. (Also make sure to check out our article on Defenses to Criminal Charges.)
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Can I claim self-defense if I hit someone first?
Even as the first person to use force, it’s possible to act in self-defense.
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The law of self-defense allows people to use force, and sometimes deadly force, to defend themselves from an imminent threat of harm.
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What is "imperfect" self-defense?
In some states, someone who uses deadly force according to an honest—but unreasonable—belief in the need to defend oneself from imminent and serious harm may have a “partial” defense.
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