Certified Fraud Examiner Practice 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The legal concept that involves using force when necessary to protect oneself is self-defense. This principle recognizes an individual's right to safeguard their own life or the lives of others from imminent harm or unlawful aggression. The concept of self-defense is grounded in the idea that individuals may take reasonable steps to prevent physical harm, and the force used in self-defense must typically be proportionate to the threat faced.

In many jurisdictions, self-defense can be invoked as a justification for actions that would otherwise be considered illegal, provided the individual reasonably believed that they were in immediate danger. This allows individuals to react to a perceived threat in a way that is legally recognized, thereby protecting their rights and ensuring they are not penalized for taking necessary action to ensure their safety.

In contrast, other concepts such as duress relate to situations where an individual is forced to act against their will due to threats from another party. Entrapment involves being induced to commit a crime by law enforcement, and legal impossibility refers to situations where an attempted crime cannot be completed due to the circumstances, even if the individual intended to commit a crime. Understanding these distinctions is key to navigating the complexities of legal defenses and rights in potentially threatening situations.