What does self-defense legally justify?

Self-defense legally justifies the use of force that appears reasonably necessary for self-protection. This means that an individual is entitled to use a level of force that a reasonable person would consider necessary to protect themselves from imminent harm or threat. The key aspect of legal self-defense is the perception of necessity; the individual must believe that the force is required to prevent an immediate threat against them.

The concept of reasonable necessity is crucial in self-defense scenarios. It assesses whether the response to a threat is appropriate based on the circumstances. If someone feels endangered, the law permits them to act to safeguard their own safety, provided their reaction is not excessive in relation to the perceived threat.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately embody the principle of self-defense. The use of lethal force is not justified unless there is a threat to life that necessitates such a response, and often it must meet a higher standard of immediate danger. Retaliation for previous harm is not justifiable under self-defense laws as it involves acting on past incidents rather than an immediate threat. Similarly, while preventing future harm may be a consideration, the legal justification for self-defense specifically pertains to responding to a current threat, not anticipating potential harm that may occur in the future.