What is the main purpose of the legal principle of self-defence?

The main purpose of the legal principle of self-defence is to provide a legal basis for protecting oneself from harm. Self-defence allows an individual to use reasonable force to protect themselves from an imminent threat. The law recognizes the right of individuals to defend themselves when they reasonably believe they are in danger of being harmed by another person.

This principle is grounded in the notion that individuals should not be required to passively endure an attack or threat when they have the capacity to defend themselves. The force used in self-defence must be proportionate to the threat faced, and the individual must genuinely believe that such force is necessary to prevent harm. The legal framework surrounding self-defence aims to balance the right to safety with the need to maintain legal order, ensuring that self-defence does not lead to unjustifiable violence or aggression.

The other options misinterpret or misrepresent the scope of self-defence. For instance, self-defence is not about justifying acts of aggression or allowing for retaliation against an attacker; rather, it is intended for immediate protection from harm when facing a threat. Additionally, it does not focus on excusing illegal actions under duress, as sovereign principles regarding self-defence are specifically tied to immediate protective actions rather than broader notions of