Self Defence - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition self-defence

Definition :

Self-defence, is a legal right and as with other legal rights the question whether a specific state of facts warrants its exercise is a legal question. It is not a question on which a State is entitled, in any special sense, to be a judge in its own cause, the Law of Nations, 5th Edn., 1955, p. 319.

Means the use of force to protect oneself, one's family, or one's property from a real or threatened attack, Black's Law Dictionary, 7th Edn., p. 1364.

Self-defence. both the life and limbs of a man are of such high value, in the estimation of the law of England, that it pardons even homicide, if committed se defendendo, or in order to preserve them. See DEFENCE; HOMICIDE.

The use of force to protect oneself, one's family, or one's property from a real or threatined attack, Black's Law Dictionary, 7th Edn., p. 1364.