Penal Code §692 provides that lawful resistance to the commission of a public offense may be made by:
Explanation
Penal Code §692 states lawful resistance to a public offense may be made by '(1) The party about to be injured; (2) Other parties.' This is the statutory foundation for self-defense and defense of others in California. Subsequent sections (§693 for the party injured, §694 for other parties) provide that resistance must be proportionate — sufficient to prevent the offense, but no more. Options (b), (c), (d) wrongly restrict the universal right of resistance recognized in §692.
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Related questions on this topic
- Under Penal Code §835a(c)(1), as amended by AB 392, deadly force by a peace officer is justified only when necessary in defense of human life — specifically when the officer reasonably believes, based on the totality of the circumstances, that deadly force is necessary to:
- Tennessee v. Garner (1985) 471 U.S. 1 held that deadly force against a fleeing felon is constitutionally permissible only when:
- Penal Code §835a(a)(2) (consistent with SB 230's training mandate) requires officers to:
- Under Penal Code §693, resistance by the party about to be injured may be made:
- Under Penal Code §694, lawful resistance by 'other parties' (defense of others) authorizes:
- May a private security guard use deadly force solely to protect property (e.g., merchandise or a vehicle)?
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