Self-defense

Self-defense

Self-defense (American English) or self-defence (Commonwealth English) is a countermeasure that involves defending the health and well-being of oneself from harm. The use of the right of self-defense as a legal justification for the use of force in times of danger is available in many jurisdictions.

Pronunciation

• American English: /ˈsɛlf dɪˈfɛns/
• Commonwealth English: /ˈsɛlf dɪˈfɛns/

Etymology

The term "self-defense" is derived from the Latin words 'se' meaning 'oneself' and 'defensum' meaning 'to ward off, defend'.

Related Terms

• Martial arts: Various sports or skills, mainly of Japanese origin, that originated as forms of self-defense or attack.
• Combat: Fighting between armed forces.
• Justifiable homicide: A defense in criminal law in which the defendant argues that their actions were necessary to protect their life or the lives of others.
• Castle Doctrine: Legal doctrine that designates a person's abode or any legally occupied place as a place in which that person has protections and immunities permitting one, in certain circumstances, to use force (up to and including deadly force) to defend oneself against an intruder.
• Stand-your-ground law: Justifies a person's decision to use deadly force to defend themselves without any requirement to evade or retreat from a dangerous situation.

See Also

• Law of self-defense
• Right of self-defense
• Self-defense (international law)
• Self-defense (United States)

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Self-defense
• Wikipedia's article - Self-defense

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