What does the concept of "self-defense" entail according to the CCP?

The concept of "self-defense" according to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP) involves a legal justification for using reasonable force to protect oneself from imminent harm. This means that an individual is allowed to defend themselves if they genuinely believe that they are facing an immediate threat of physical harm. The force used must be proportionate to the threat, meaning it must be reasonable under the circumstances.

This principle is rooted in the idea that individuals have the right to protect their own safety and well-being when faced with aggression or unlawful force from others. The emphasis is on the necessity and immediacy of the threat; self-defense is justified only when the individual has a legitimate reason to believe that they need to protect themselves.

Understanding self-defense in this way clarifies that it cannot be used as a justification for excessive force. Additionally, the notion of retreat before using force is not universally required in self-defense claims; some jurisdictions have "stand your ground" laws, where an individual may not have a duty to retreat. Reporting an imminent threat is also unrelated to the immediate justification for self-defense; while it is important to inform authorities about threats, it does not negate the right to self-defense in the moment of danger.