Use of ForceQuestion 57 of 200

Under Penal Code §693, resistance by the party about to be injured may be made:

a.Only after the person has first attempted to retreat, since California imposes a duty to withdraw before a person may stand their ground
b.(1) To prevent the offense against the person or family; (2) To prevent illegal injury to the person's property, in either case using force proportionate to the threat
c.Only with pre-authorization from a peace officer, who must confirm that the resistance is warranted before any of it begins
d.Only verbally — a person about to be injured may protest and order the aggressor away, but any physical resistance whatsoever is itself unlawful under California law, whatever the threat

Explanation

Penal Code §693 authorizes resistance by the party about to be injured: (1) to prevent an offense against the person or family, and (2) to prevent an illegal injury to property in lawful possession. The amount of force must be proportionate; deadly force in defense of property alone is generally not permitted (see PC §197 distinctions). California does not impose a duty to retreat before standing one's ground (CALCRIM 505), although tactical retreat is often the safer choice. Options (a), (c), (d) misstate the law.

Law Reference: Cal. Penal Code §693

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