Bristol School of Self Defence

There is often confusion about what you can and cannot do in a self defence situation. This is something that will be explained on our courses and is also covered here in our simple guide to the law:

'Reasonable Force'

When considering what we can and cannot do in a self defence situation, the law refers to the term ‘reasonable force’. According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) ...

“A person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances for the purposes of:

self-defence; or
defence of another; or
defence of property; or
prevention of crime; or
lawful arrest.

In assessing the reasonableness of the force used, prosecutors should ask two questions:

was the use of force justified in the circumstances, i.e. was there a need for any force at all? and
was the force used excessive in the circumstances?”

On the subject of the pre-emptive strike, the CPS state:

“There is no rule in law to say that a person must wait to be struck first before they may defend themselves.”

For further legal information, please visit the CPS guide here:

Self Defence and the Prevention of Crime

The CPS have also put together a simple guide regarding the use of self defence in the home, which the Bristol School of Self Defence strongly recommend reading:

Householders and the use of force against intruders