To Cause Harm

The first statement, in part, of the UseofForce.us site on self defense says, "In the United States, it is illegal to harm another person intentionally." To cause harm to another, what could that mean?

I guess we could conceivable cause harm in a variety of ways that may or may not include a physical attack, i.e. punch someones face, etc. but I am not exactly sure.

It makes me wonder just how far a person could take something bringing charges or law suits. It was just an interesting thought while reviewing the site once more.

There is a term, "Imminent harm," "intentional grievous harm," "bodily harm," "risk of harm," and then there is this long and somewhat legal looking site on California law, i.e. California Copes; Penal Code; Section 207-210 that references harm but in a narrow field of kidnapping.

I found specific sites that referenced intentional harm, etc. as to HIV, battery, etc. but so far it is still an elusive definition in regards to the quote from the site. There is also the intent to do harm that allows us to use restraining orders. It states such things as negligence, violation of law, outrageous actions to cause some kind of harm.

Finally I found a site with an overview of "Assault and Battery," which seems to fit self-defense/self-protection, etc. An assault is an attempt or threat to injure another person. A battery would be actually contacting another person in a harmful or offensive manner. Generally the main distinction between an assault and a battery is that no contact is necessary for an assault, whereas an offensive or illegal contact must occur for a battery.

Then we have to deal with assault as to an act requirement, intent requirement and then battery with same. Then it is wide open to interpretation which means it depends on those who bring charges against you as well as the Jury you will face.

Read "this site" for a general overview.

Then when you teach self-defense or simply decide to get involved you may want to first, long before actions are taken, review all the data as to what this all involves then decide if it is wise to act.