Self Defense Is A Natural Law
The premise of self-defense is a Natural Law as well as being a key element to Darwin’s theories related to “Survival of the Fittest”. It is a Natural Law that every creature on this planet was given a free will and the absolute right to self-defense and self-preservation.
Please note: Standard disclaimer applies as this is not meant to be construed as any type of legal action or defense. I am not a lawyer nor do I pretend to be one, and am by no means advocating the use of physical violence against anyone. Most people who know me…know by nature I am a peaceful person, however, I am also more than capable of protecting myself in self-defense. I am also a strong advocate for people learning self-defense for both physical and mental discipline. If you are confident in your ability to defend yourself, you will find yourself in fewer situations that require the use of self-defense…in my humble opinion…however, I am not a lawyer, nor do I work in law enforcement so please seek your own guidance elsewhere. The resources below are publicly available resources that I am sharing for educational purposes only.
Useful links to laws and interpretations on self-defense
Self-defense (United States) - Wikipedia
Stand-your-ground law - Wikipedia
Right of self-defense - Wikipedia
Second Amendment - Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School
Self-Defense and ‘Stand Your Ground’ Summary - National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), March 1, 2023
H.R. 2137 (114th): Federal Law Enforcement Self-Defense and Protection Act of 2015
1-16.000 - Department of Justice Policy On Use Of Force - U.S. Department of Justice, Justice Manual, Title 1: Organization and Functions
Self-Defense Laws: What Counts as Self-Defense in New York? - Documented, Written by April Xu, Jul 27, 2023
Documented is an independent, non-profit newsroom dedicated to reporting with and for immigrant communities in New York City.
New York State (NYS) Criminal Jury Instructions (CJI2d) and Model Colloquies (MC).
Justification: Use of Physical Force in Defense of a Person Penal Law 35.15(1) - (7 pages)