In general self-defense only justifies the use of force

Posted on: October 28, 2018 at 10:33:10 CT

in response to an immediate threat, including a verbal one as long as it puts the intended victim in an immediate fear of physical harm. Without an accompanying threat of immediate physical harm doesn't necessarily justify the use of force in self-defense. That said, how much force a victim can use to protect themselves comes into question and varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.