In Australia, the legal definition of self-defence involves a combination of subjective and objective tests, where the accused must have believed their actions were necessary to defend themselves or others, and those actions must be reasonable in the circumstances.
The definition of self-defence varies slightly across different states and territories, but it generally allows a person to use reasonable force to protect themselves or others from harm.
Key Aspects of Self-Defence Law in Australia:
Reasonable Belief: The person claiming self-defence must have believed on reasonable grounds that their actions were necessary to protect themselves or another person from harm. This belief must be both subjectively held by the accused and objectively reasonable from the perspective of an ordinary person in the same situation.
Proportionate Response: The response must be proportionate to the threat faced. For example, using a similar level of force as the threat is generally considered reasonable, whereas a significantly greater use of force may not be justified. The principle of proportionality ensures that the defensive action matches the level of danger presented.
Please keep in mind, this was not written by a lawyer so consult a professional if you have any questions.