Index

UK Criminal Justice and Immigration Act (Self-Defence)

Summary

Provides a statutory footing for the common law defense of self-defence, specifying that a person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances as they believed them to be.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    You can use reasonable force to protect yourself, another person, or property.
  • 02.
    Your actions are judged based on what you honestly believed the situation was at the time.
  • 03.
    In a 'householder case,' force is only considered unreasonable if it was 'grossly disproportionate.'

Penalties

  • 01.
    Unlimited fine or imprisonment if the force is deemed 'grossly disproportionate' in a home.
  • 02.
    Conviction for Assault or Homicide if the force was not necessary or was retaliatory.
  • 03.
    Civil damages for battery if the force exceeded what was reasonable.

Verified Citations

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