Self-Defence

Self-Defence in Estonia: When Does the Law Allow You to Defend Yourself? How is self-defence assessed in practice? When are a person's actions considered lawful self-defence? In which situations does criminal liability arise, and when is causing harm legally justified? What legal requirements must be met, and where is the line between lawful defence and exceeding its limits?

In this video, Attorney-at-Law Vladimir Sadekov and lawyer Nikita Shalov discuss:

• what constitutes self-defence under the law;
• when a person may incur criminal liability and when their actions are considered lawful;
• the legal requirements for establishing a state of self-defence;
• practical experience in defending individuals who acted in self-defence;
• how actions committed in self-defence are legally assessed and classified;
• why the concept of self-defence is of significant practical importance;
• what the exclusion of unlawfulness means;
• the factors used to determine whether a situation qualifies as self-defence;
• whether preventive measures may be taken before a dangerous situation arises;
• seeking assistance in dangerous situations;
• how the intensity of an attack and the proportionality of defensive actions are assessed;
• what constitutes exceeding the limits of lawful self-defence;
• the distinction between direct and indirect intent;
• how provocation may affect the legal assessment of a situation.

We also discuss:

• the criteria for assessing a state of self-defence;
• practical aspects of classifying actions taken in self-defence;
• the limits of lawful defence;
• the most complex legal issues arising in such criminal cases.

This video will be useful for:

• individuals who have found themselves in a self-defence situation;
• anyone wishing to understand the limits of lawful defence;
• lawyers and law students;
• anyone interested in criminal law.

Self-defence is one of the fundamental institutions of criminal law. Understanding the conditions under which it applies helps individuals correctly assess their actions in dangerous situations and avoid mistakes that may result in criminal liability.