Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a key requirement for a defense of self-defense to be valid?
What is a key requirement for a defense of self-defense to be valid?
- The defendant must have acted with intent to kill.
- The defendant must have been the immediate victim of the attack.
- The defendant used only the necessary amount of force. (correct)
- The defendant must have suffered injury during the encounter.
Which statement best describes the actions of Bernhard Goetz during the incident?
Which statement best describes the actions of Bernhard Goetz during the incident?
- He fired shots without assessing the threat level. (correct)
- He negotiated peacefully with the youths.
- He used a non-lethal weapon to defend himself.
- He successfully prevented a robbery without causing harm.
What was the outcome for one of the youths involved in the incident?
What was the outcome for one of the youths involved in the incident?
- One youth was killed instantly.
- All youths escaped unharmed.
- One youth suffered paralysis. (correct)
- All youths faced criminal charges.
What legal claim might Goetz have considered due to the nature of the confrontation?
What legal claim might Goetz have considered due to the nature of the confrontation?
Which of the following was NOT a factor in determining the legitimacy of Goetz's use of force?
Which of the following was NOT a factor in determining the legitimacy of Goetz's use of force?
What critical belief did Goetz act upon during the confrontation?
What critical belief did Goetz act upon during the confrontation?
What can be inferred about Goetz's legal fate post-incident?
What can be inferred about Goetz's legal fate post-incident?
What aspect of Goetz's actions posed a challenge to his self-defense claim?
What aspect of Goetz's actions posed a challenge to his self-defense claim?
Flashcards
Imperfect Self-Defense
Imperfect Self-Defense
A defense that applies when someone uses more force than necessary in self-defense but still acted out of a reasonable belief of imminent danger.
Imminent Danger
Imminent Danger
This refers to a situation where a person is in genuine fear of immediate harm, either to themselves or someone else.
Reasonable Force
Reasonable Force
The legal principle that states a person can only use force that is reasonably necessary to defend against imminent harm.
People v. Goetz
People v. Goetz
The case of Bernhard Goetz, a man who shot four young men on a subway in New York City in 1984, claiming he acted in self-defense.
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Bernhard Goetz
Bernhard Goetz
The accused in the People v. Goetz case.
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The Actions of the Four Youths
The Actions of the Four Youths
In the People v. Goetz case, it was the actions of four youths on a subway train which prompted Goetz to act.
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Disproportionate Force
Disproportionate Force
The level of force used in self-defense must be proportionate to the threat.
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Objective Test
Objective Test
A legal test used in self-defense cases to determine whether the force used was reasonable.
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Self-Defense and the Use of Disproportionate Force
- Excessive force negates self-defense claim.
- Imperfect defense of provocation can be applied if excessive force is used.
California's Standard for Self-Defense
- To successfully claim self-defense in California, the defendant must demonstrate:
- A reasonable belief they or someone else was in imminent danger of bodily harm.
- A reasonable belief self-defense was necessary to protect against the danger.
- The force used was reasonably necessary for that defense.
People v. Goetz Case Summary
- Facts: On December 22, 1984, Bernhard Goetz, armed with a concealed handgun, fired four shots at four youths on a train, injuring all of them.
- Initial Incident: Goetz claimed the youths were attempting to rob him.
- Additional information: This incident involved four youths (Canty, Allen, Ramseur, and Cabey), who hadn't shown a weapon.
- Critical Information: Goetz fired multiple shots, and then fled and later confessed to the intent to kill.
- Result: This resulted in severe injuries, with one victim paralyzed and others with significant injuries.
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