Types of Self Defense
The basic right to use reasonable force to protect yourself from imminent unlawful harm.
What is self-defense?
The least serious category of offense, often punishable only by a fine (like jaywalking or a minor traffic ticket).
What is an infraction (or violation)?
First 10 amendments
What is Bill of rights
Intentional harmful or offensive touching of another person without consent.
What is battery?
The party who brings a civil lawsuit.
Who is the plaintiff?
Using force to protect another person (like a family member or stranger) from imminent danger, under the same rules as self-defense.
What is defense of others
Crimes punishable by up to one year in jail, such as simple assault, petty theft, or DUI (in many states).
What is a misdemeanor?
the right to stay silent when apprehended by law enforcement
what is 5th amendment/plead the 5th
The failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another.
What is negligence?
The level of proof required in most civil cases
What is presentation of the evidence?
The requirement that the threat of harm must be immediate and about to happen (not future or past).
What is an imminent threat (or imminent danger)?
The most serious crimes, punishable by more than one year in prison (or life/death
What is a felony?
the constitution and federal having override over state laws
This intentional tort involves extreme and outrageous conduct causing severe emotional distress.
What is intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED)?
This pretrial process allows parties to obtain information from each other
What is discovery?
The rule that the force you use must match the level of threat—no shooting someone for a shove.
What is proportional force
Crimes that harm individuals directly, including homicide, assault, battery, rape, and kidnapping.
What are crimes against the person
the 1966 supreme court case now requires police to inform suspects of their rights before interrigation
what is miranda v arizona
A false statement of fact that harms someone's reputation and is published to a third party.
What is defamation (libel if written, slander if spoken)
The constitutional right to a fair trial that includes an impartial jury in criminal cases.
What is due process or 6th amendment
A variant of self-defense allowing deadly force without retreating first (in your home or, in some states, anywhere you're legally allowed to be).
What is stand-your-ground (or castle doctrine in the home)?
Crimes involving taking or damaging property, such as burglary, larceny, arson, or vandalism
What are crimes against property?
The two clauses in the 14th Amendment that require states to provide due process and equal protection.
What are the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause?
This famous 1964 case established the "actual malice" standard for public figures in defamation suits.
What is New York Times v. Sullivan?
This type of jurisdiction allows a court to hear a case because the events occurred in its geographic area.
What is personal jurisdiction?