Question

Name two things the court considers when someone pleads self-defense

Answer 1

First, with exceptions, the defendant must prove that he or she was confronted with an unprovoked attack. Second, the defendant must prove that the threat of injury or death was imminent. Third, the defendant must prove that the degree of force used in self-defense was objectively reasonable under the circumstances.

Answer 2

As a general rule, self-defense only justifies the use of force when it is used in response to an immediate threat. For example, if an aggressor assaults a victim but then ends the assault and indicates that there is no longer any threat of violence, then the threat of danger has ended.