California self-defense law (PC §692-§694; CALCRIM 505) requires force be:
Explanation
California self-defense law (codified in §§692-694, articulated in CALCRIM 505) requires that the defender (1) reasonably believed in imminent danger of harm, (2) used force reasonably necessary to defend against that danger, and (3) used no more force than reasonably necessary. The force must cease when the threat ends. Maximum or like-kind responses (a, b) are not the standard; non-lethal-only (c) is wrong — deadly force is permitted to meet a deadly threat. The reasonableness is judged on what a reasonable person would have believed under the circumstances.
Law Reference: Cal. Penal Code §692; CALCRIM 505This topic, taught in full in the California Guard Card (BSIS Security Guard) guide. California Guard Card — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $9.99 · 14-day refund →
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