Under what condition can an individual claim self-defense?

An individual can claim self-defense when they genuinely believe they are in imminent danger. This means that there must be a reasonable perception of an immediate threat to their safety that justifies using force in response. Self-defense laws are grounded in the idea that individuals have the right to protect themselves from harm if they feel that their life or well-being is at stake.

The concept of imminent danger is critical because it requires that the threat is not vague or speculative; the individual must perceive that they are about to be harmed at that very moment. This allows for a proactive response aimed at preventing or mitigating that immediate threat.

In contrast, reasons such as wanting to retaliate for past harm or being provoked verbally do not meet the standard for self-defense, as these do not indicate an immediate threat. Similarly, simply having a reasonable chance of winning a fight does not justify the use of force unless there is an imminent risk to personal safety. Thus, the correct condition for claiming self-defense centers around the perception of an immediate danger to oneself.