Principles of Self-Defense and Use of Force

📋 Course Outline

1. Legitimate Defense & Conditions
2. Attack & Injustice
3. Defense Act & Simultaneity
4. Proportionality & Means
5. Defense of Property & Limits
6. Threat on Property & Interruption
7. Police & Use of Force
8. Presumption & Night
9. Presumption & Day

📖 1. Legitimate Defense & Conditions

🔑 Key Concepts & Definitions

• Légitimate Defense (Article 122-5 of the Penal Code): Legal exemption from criminal responsibility when a person repels an unjustified, current, real, proportionate, and immediate attack or threat, either against a person or property.
• Attack (Atteinte): Violence, threat, or any action that infringes on physical integrity or property.
• Act of Defense (Acte de défense): Immediate and proportionate reaction to counter an attack or threat.
• Injustice (Injustifiée): Absence of legitimate reason or violation of legal rights justifying the defensive act.
• Necessity (Nécessaire): No other means available to avoid or escape the danger.
• Proportionality (Proportionné): The force used must be commensurate with the gravity of the attack or threat.

📝 Essential Points