In the context of criminal law, what happens if a self-defense response is deemed excessive?

In criminal law, self-defense is justified when an individual uses reasonable force to protect themselves from imminent harm. However, if the response is deemed excessive—that is, significantly disproportionate to the threat faced—it can negate the self-defense argument. This means that the individual cannot claim that their response was justified as self-defense. Courts assess self-defense claims by examining whether the level of force used was necessary and reasonable given the circumstances.

When someone goes beyond what would be considered a reasonable and proportional response, it can imply that their actions were not purely defensive but rather aggressive or retaliatory. As a result, the court may rule that the individual bears responsibility for their actions, which could lead to criminal liability. Therefore, excessive use of force undermines the foundational principle of self-defense, which hinges on the idea of reasonable and necessary action in response to a threat.