When does self-defense become assault?

[Anonymous]

Here’s an interesting question for you, because I’ve seen a lot of troll questions that honestly made me think of a legitimate question

Where do you draw the lines between self defense and assault?

Here is the example scenario in this case, you have a high school aged daughter and she is physically attacked by a male the same age as her, lets say he doesn’t sexually assault her, just physical. Shoving her around, hitting her etc, is she justified in attacking his groin to you in this scenario? Or is that something that would instantly make her the assaulter in your eyes? Would your answer change if she unknowingly did permanent damage to the guy that way?

I do not think it would be justified if she did this in a purely physical altercation

I do think it would be justified in this instance, but only if no permanent injury occurs

I do think it would be justified in this instance, the guy is responsible for whatever injuries might happen to him

[CuriousHubby]

There is no line cause anything she does will be assault legally until he legally raped her!

Legally he would win almost any court case. Unless she filmed it and in this state you have to say your filming them...

So rather she be charged with assault then she be rapped.

Also hope she does damage to him! If not he will try again until he gets jailed.

[Asker]

Thank you for the comment! But in the example here I’m saying if the guy had no intention of raping her, just attacked her, would you still be okay with her doing something like kicking her attacker in the groin? Even up to the point of damaging him?

[CuriousHubby]

Sure so he learns to not be an ass hat!

[Asker]

I think you have a good mentality for a dad!

[CuriousHubby]

Thanks 👍

[jahaims]

If someone inflicts violence towards you, you should be able to defend yourself in anyway you want.

[kylee2437]

Honestly , it really depends on your state laws. Even something that you may classify as self defense, may legally be assault depending on which state you are from. That’s why it’s super important to read into your state laws, and not just automatically assume anything.

[Asker]

How would you feel as the parent of the girl in this scenario? Would the laws of the state you are in change your opinion on what she did? Or would you support / punish her regardless of the laws of your state?

[kylee2437]

I was always taught to hit back when someone physically puts hands on you first, however there’s no arguing against state laws. My emotions towards a situation won’t change what a court of law feels.

[MisterWack]

IF the person is in a position to flee and chooses to attack in an overly exaggerated manner then it is assault.

IF the person feels backed into a corner of sorts, no way out, cannot flee or has no interest in fleeing fearing for their life and they fight back enough to put distance between the assailant and her then it is self defense.

[exitseven]

Anytime somebody puts his/her hands on somebody else in a menacing manner should not be surprised by a good kick in the nuts or maybe more.

[Asker]

Agreed! Unfortunately our court systems seem to not think that way a lot of times, even certain people on here seem to say they wouldn’t support going that far

[exitseven]

I try hard not to get in fights with other people. It is not like you see on TV when guys punch each other out and 5 minutes alter there is not a mark on them. People get broken jaws, lost teeth, lacerations and other nasty stull, Two local morons got in a fight over a kids football game. One guy fell and hit his head and died. There are cops involved, and lawyers and it gets expensive really fast. But if somebody started it with me I guess I would have to finish it.

[ChicoFromThe305]

When you no longer are using force to stop them from harming you, once the assaulter is immobilized or no longer has the ability to harm you and you are still using force, that is no longer considered self defense.