"Self-defense" of self, others or property, is an example of an affirmative defense. The right to self-defense is a basic human right that has been recognized from ancient times, and recognized in the laws on self-defense.
"The right of self defense never ceases. It is among the most sacred, and alike necessary to nations and to individuals."
James Monroe, President of the United States
It was acknowledged at Common Law and has been incorporated into the Minnesota self-defense statute, Minnesota Statutes Section 609.06.
Let's look at a hypotheticalexample.
Johnny Apple drives to the store to buy some items. In the parking lot, a man he does not know begins to yell at him about money he supposedly owes the man. Then the man proceeds to brutally assault Johnny, during which Johnny notices he is attempting to pull out a knife. Fearing for his life, Johnny breaks the man's neck which kills him. The government charges (makes the claim of) criminal murder. At the trial, Johnny's Minnesota defense lawyer questions witnesses who testify about what they saw and heard of the brief assault. The jury was convinced that it was not a murder to prevent collection of a debt, but a killing in self-defense because the "force" used by Johnny was "reasonable" under the circumstances of the attempted robbery. "Not guilty."
President James Monroe
Minnesota's self-defense law contains a "duty to retreat" provision. A person facing a threat has a duty to retreat where practical, before responding with "reasonable force." If an attack is sudden retreat might be unrealistic or create a risk of bodily harm. In order to protect you, your loved ones, or your property, in some situations there may be no reasonable alternative to the use of reasoanble force in self-defense.
What is "reasonable force?" There must be thousands of court cases discussing this, in various situations. The idea is that the level of force used in self-defense should be commensurate with the perceived threat level at the time.
Police are trained to shoot the center of the body when shooting in self-defense, and to shoot a person armed with a knife within striking distance. That could be reasonable force. No one wants to end up in a case where a jury has to decide "was it reasonable?" given the threat presented at the time. If you are defending yourself or others from a violent attack, however, even deadly force can be reasonable.
Nothing on this website is legal advice. Only a lawyer fully informed about the facts of your potential case, after research of relevant law, can be in a position to give legal advice. Information here is for general information.
Serving The People of the local Mpls - St PaulTwin Cities metropolitan area in Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Anoka, Wright, Carver, Scott, Dakota, and Washington Counties (greater Minnesota only upon special consideration).
