Defense Of Others

Justification for using force in defense of others depends on the belief that the victim deserves assistance. A few jurisdictions require the rescuer be a member of the victim’s family or superior or employee. You are generally allowed to utilize the same amount of force under the same rules in defense of family or close friends.

Defending a stranger is risky business. Without knowing all the details of the altercation you risk defending the attacker. If you come across a situation in which one person appears to be defending themselves against another, you need to realize the circumstances may not be what they seem. One of them could be a plain clothes policeman making a lawful arrest.

You could also be “burned” if you join in a domestic dispute. If you see a man punching out his female partner (wife or girlfriend) you may step in to defend her and even save her from the current beating, but when she goes back to him you may face charges for causing his injuries (even though they may be deserved) in your chivalrous effort. See domestic abuse for further information on why that may happen.

So when it comes to defending others, it is best to stick to your relatives and close friends.

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