Legal Definitions - vis licita

vis licita

Vis licita is a Latin legal term that translates to lawful force. It refers to the use of physical power or coercion that is legally permissible and justified under specific circumstances. This means that the force applied is authorized by law, often because it is necessary to protect oneself, others, or property, or to enforce legal duties.

• Example 1: Law Enforcement Action

  Imagine a police officer responding to a report of a violent altercation. Upon arrival, the officer witnesses an individual actively assaulting another person. To stop the assault and apprehend the aggressor, the officer uses a controlled takedown maneuver to restrain the individual and place them under arrest.

  This scenario illustrates vis licita because law enforcement officers are legally empowered to use reasonable and necessary force to prevent crimes, protect the public, and effect lawful arrests. The force used by the officer, if proportionate to the threat and resistance, falls within their authorized duties.

• Example 2: Self-Defense

  Consider a person walking alone at night who is suddenly confronted by an attacker attempting to rob them. Fearing for their safety and property, the person pushes the attacker away and immediately runs to a safe location, using only the force required to create distance and escape the immediate threat.

  The force used by the victim to push the attacker away is an example of vis licita. Individuals have a legal right to defend themselves from imminent harm or criminal acts. As long as the force used is reasonable and proportionate to the perceived threat, it is considered lawful.

• Example 3: Property Protection by Security Personnel

  A security guard at a private event observes an uninvited and intoxicated individual attempting to force their way into a restricted area, despite repeated warnings to stop. When the individual becomes physically aggressive and refuses to leave, the security guard, following company policy and legal guidelines, firmly but carefully escorts the person off the premises, using only the physical force necessary to remove them without causing injury.

  This situation demonstrates vis licita because property owners and their authorized agents, such as security guards, are generally permitted to use reasonable and necessary force to remove trespassers or individuals who are causing disturbances on private property, provided the force used is not excessive and is solely aimed at maintaining order and safety.