Practice degrees of self-defense. Know the difference between an annoying relative and a serial killer and how to deal with each. Keep your technique proportional to the circumstance. Research the laws in your area. Call the Public Defender s office, check the Law library or scan the Internet to find out the legal basics of self-defense.
Laws vary widely across countries.
In America, some states allow the prosecution to offer evidence of the defendent s past, such as a history of violence inflicted on a spouse. These guidelines are not a complete nor a consistent representation of self-defense law in all situations. Seek professional legal advice to learn more about local statutes and laws. Using excessive force, disproportionate to the circumstances, may lead to a lawsuit. You could be charged with a crime that ranges from simple assault to murder.