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LSDefine
Simple English definitions for legal terms
defense of others
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A quick definition of defense of others:
Defense of others: When someone tries to hurt another person, it is okay for someone else to use force to stop them. This is called "defense of others". It is important to only use as much force as necessary to protect the other person. Some places say that you can only use defense of others if you have a special relationship with the person you are protecting, like being their parent or spouse. But most places just require that you believe it was necessary to protect the other person.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: “Defense of others” is a legal defense that allows a person to use reasonable force to protect someone else from harm. This defense can be used when someone is threatened with force by another person.
For example, if someone is attacking your friend and you use force to stop the attacker, you may be able to use the defense of others. This defense is based on the belief that it is better to use force to protect someone else than to let them be harmed.
Some jurisdictions require that the person using the defense of others has a special relationship with the third party, such as a parental or marital relationship. However, most jurisdictions do not require a special relationship, just the reasonable belief that it was necessary to defend the third party.
Another example of the defense of others is if you see someone being mugged on the street and you intervene to stop the attacker. As long as you use reasonable force to protect the victim, you may be able to use the defense of others if you are charged with a crime.
The defense of others is an important legal principle that allows people to protect others from harm. It is based on the idea that it is better to use force to protect someone else than to let them be harmed.