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.)
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.
The law of self-defense allows people to use force, and sometimes deadly force, to defend themselves from an imminent threat of harm.