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Self-Defense Law in California

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Questions and Answers

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?

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?

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?

Imperfect defense due to provocation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a factor in determining the legitimacy of Goetz's use of force?

The presence of bystanders during the incident. Signup and view all the answers

What critical belief did Goetz act upon during the confrontation?

Belief that the youths were intending to rob him. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about Goetz's legal fate post-incident?

He fled the scene and later surrendered to police. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Goetz's actions posed a challenge to his self-defense claim?

He acted after the threat was non-existent. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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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Description

This quiz explores the principles of self-defense in California law, particularly focusing on the use of force and the implications of excessive force. Key cases, such as People v. Goetz, are reviewed to examine the nuances of self-defense claims in legal contexts.