Use of Force to Defend a Person

You may use force to defend yourself or another person from an assailant in these situations.

Using force or threatening to use force against an assailant is justified when you reasonably believe that:

It is necessary for self-defense or the defense of another person and...
The assailant is about to use unlawful force.

Using force that is likely to cause death or serious bodily harm (deadly force) against an assailant is justified when you reasonably believe that it is necessary:

To prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm to yourself or another person or...
To prevent the commission of a forcible felony.

Unit 6 of 6
Topic 3 of 4
Page 4 of 5

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