How is "self-defense" defined in criminal law?

Self-defense is a concept in criminal law that refers to the legal justification for using force to protect oneself from an imminent threat of harm. It is grounded in the principle that an individual has the right to protect their own life and well-being when faced with a direct and immediate threat. This justification is only valid when the force used is reasonable and proportionate to the threat encountered.

Option C aligns with this definition effectively, as it captures the essence of self-defense—specifically focusing on personal protection against threats. In a self-defense claim, the individual typically must demonstrate that they believed they were in imminent danger of being harmed and that their response was necessary to prevent that harm from occurring.

The other options are narrower or mischaracterize the concept. For example, while property defense and the protection of others can involve self-defense claims, they do not encapsulate the comprehensive protection of personal safety that self-defense primarily addresses. Furthermore, the notion of exemption from punishment for all forms of violence is inaccurate, as self-defense does not grant a blanket immunity from consequences; rather, it limits liability under specific circumstances where the use of force was justified and necessary.