Non-Lethal Force

Non-lethal force is defined as that which a reasonable person would assume would not cause death or grave injury. Much of the law is similar when dealing with lethal and non-lethal self defense force.

General criminal law permits the use of necessary, proportionate, non-deadly self defense force anytime the victim believes that unlawful force is about to be used on her.

The court will use both objective and subjective standards to determine if there was, in fact, a reasonable belief. Subjective standards include the mindset of the victim. Objective standards include the assailants and the defendant’s size, strength, handicap, etc.

The legal application of self defense force under American is complex. Most jurisdictions permit the use of force in resisting an attack by someone not known to be a police officer and non-deadly force in resisting a known police officer trying to make an unlawful arrest.

The threat must be immediate and imminent.

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