British Columbia (BC) Security Guard License Practice Exam

Can a person use force to prevent an assault?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only if they first try to negotiate

4. Only if they are otherwise defenseless

The correct answer is: Yes

The ability to use force to prevent an assault is rooted in the principles of self-defense and the right to protect oneself and others from imminent harm. When a person perceives an immediate threat of assault, they are legally entitled to use reasonable force to prevent that assault from occurring. This is based on the understanding that everyone has the right to defend themselves and others from potential violence. Using force must be proportionate to the threat; for instance, if someone is about to be physically attacked, they may use necessary force to stop the assault. The key aspect here is that the force employed must be reasonable and not excessive compared to the immediate threat faced. In this context, the other options suggest limitations or conditions that do not align with the fundamental right to self-defense. The notion that one must negotiate first or is only justified when defenseless introduces unnecessary conditions that could jeopardize a person's safety. In situations where there is an imminent threat, immediate action is often necessary.