| ENGLISH LAW |
The English law relating to the use of force on another by
a member of the public can be found under two main headings.
The first being Common Law and the second being Section 3 Criminal
Law Act 1977.
|
COMMON LAW
It is a well established principle of English law that a person
is entitled to use REASONABLE FORCE to defend themselves
against attack. A person may defend themselves or others in
certain circumstances by the use of pre-emptive force. Although
common law is unwritten it is accepted that:
"If you had an honestly held believe that you or another
are in imminent danger, then you may use such force that is
reasonable and necessary to avert that danger". |
Section 3, CRIMINAL LAW ACT 1967
A person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances
in the prevention of crime or in effecting or assisting in
the lawful arrest of offenders or suspected offenders or persons
unlawfully at large. |
