What does "self-defense" mean in legal terms?

In legal terms, "self-defense" refers to the justification for the use of force in order to protect oneself from imminent harm or threat. This concept is grounded in the principle that individuals have the right to protect themselves from physical harm when they reasonably believe that they are in immediate danger. The law allows for the use of reasonable force in response to such threats, provided that the response is proportional to the perceived danger.

The acceptance of self-defense as a legal justification can lead to a total exoneration for actions that would otherwise be considered unlawful, as long as the defendant can convincingly demonstrate that their belief in the need to defend themselves was reasonable under the circumstances. This principle applies in both criminal and civil contexts and is a fundamental aspect of personal rights in many legal systems.