How does self-defense function as a legal defense in criminal cases?

Self-defense functions as a legal defense in criminal cases by providing a justification for harm done to another individual when that harm is necessary to protect oneself from imminent harm or threat. This defense is grounded in the principle that individuals have the right to protect themselves when faced with an immediate threat of violence.

When someone claims self-defense, they assert that their actions were not only intentional but also necessary under the circumstances to prevent greater harm. Courts typically evaluate self-defense claims by considering factors such as the reasonableness of the perceived threat and whether the response was proportional to that threat. If the court finds that the individual had a legitimate fear for their safety and acted accordingly, the use of force may be deemed justifiable, leading to a verdict of not guilty.

The other choices do not accurately represent the legal concept of self-defense. It is not an automatic justification for any crime, nor is it unrecognized in court or viewed as a crime in itself; instead, it is a well-established legal doctrine that, when proven valid, can absolve defendants from liability.