What is the principal concept behind 'self-defense' in law?

The principal concept behind 'self-defense' in law focuses primarily on the protection of oneself from imminent harm. This legal principle allows an individual to use reasonable force, when necessary, to prevent an immediate threat to their safety or life. In a self-defense situation, the key factors typically considered are the immediacy of the threat and the proportionality of the response. The law recognizes an individual's right to defend themselves from an attack when they believe there is a genuine threat to their wellbeing.

Self-defense is not about engaging in retaliatory actions or using excessive force; it is strictly limited to what is necessary to neutralize the threat. This ensures that the right to self-defense is not misapplied and does not justify violent or aggressive behavior outside of an immediate context of danger. Thus, the recognition of imminent harm as a foundation of self-defense confirms its lawful application in acute situations where an individual feels threatened.