Self-defense involves protecting a person’s health and well-being from harm. It can take several forms, from using words to calm a situation to using physical force against an immediate threat. Understanding the different forms helps people think about safety, preparedness, and the limits that may apply.
Self-defense is a countermeasure intended to protect oneself from harm. In many jurisdictions, self-defense may also be a legal justification for using force when a person faces danger. The relevant rules differ by location, so the general concept should not be treated as a substitute for local legal advice.
All flashcards
Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD)
An approach combining verbal, psychological, and physical strategies while addressing gender-based violence and emphasizing empowerment.
Proportionality
The principle that a response should be proportionate to the threat it addresses.
Canadian statutory self-defense framework
A defense requiring reasonable belief in force or a threat, a protective purpose, and a reasonable act.
Reasonable belief in force or a threat
The first element of the described Canadian framework, assessed using both subjective and objective considerations.
Safe and legal alternative
An available option that may carry weight when assessing whether a response was reasonable.
Quiz questions
What does the UN Charter recognize when an armed attack occurs against a UN member?Answer: A state’s inherent right of individual or collective self-defense, subject to Security Council powers.
How does proportionality help assess a self-defense response?Answer: It asks whether the response was proportionate to the threat it addressed.
Under the Canadian framework described, what is the rule about retreating from one’s own home?Answer: A person is not required to flee their home to raise self-defense.
Which statement best distinguishes a course marketed as self-defense from martial arts training generally?Answer: It is generally presented as oriented toward effectiveness in real-world situations.
Based on the Wikipedia article Self-defense, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.