Self-defence In English Law
Self-defence is part of private defence, the doctrine in English law that one can act in ways that otherwise would be illegal to prevent injury to oneself or others, or to prevent crime more generally – one has the same right to act to protect others as to protect oneself. This defence arises both from common law and the Criminal Law Act 1967. Self-defence in English law is using reasonable force against an unjust threat. Self-defence is a justification rather than an excuse (Robinson's classification of defences), that is, the defence is asserting that the actions were not a crime at all.
Read more about Self-defence In English Law: Arrest and Private Citizens, Law Enforcement By Police Officers, Law Enforcement By Soldiers, Defence of Property, Reform
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