self defense "laws"

[Ducy]

So I'm curious. Its assault if you throw the first punch in a fight, or lay hands on ssomoen (generally) but self defense if you hit back after being struck. If a man were to be in my face verbally threatening and then follow up by doing that whole "emphasize my point by poking your chest hard" would I be able to hit him in self defense? I mean he's verbally threatening, touching me and using force (poking hard lol).

Seems like a random question but I had this confrontation at the gym and even though I felt like I could "get away with it", in todays world anything can get u in trouble.

[big916]

You always run the risk of getting arrested when fighting, but I believe it is 3 punches then it is self defense. Maybe the hard pokes can count idk. I don't care what the law is, if someone throws a punch at me I'm punching back. I have no experience getting arrested after fighting so I can't tell you from experience.

[Thecalliton]

if you throw the first punch, you are in trouble.
If you take the fight to the point of them trying to get away, fall out cold, or give up, further strikes are illegal.

Only fight until the enemy stops, then you arent in trouble.

to be specific, if you are struck with malicious intent, then you fight back as needed. This also goes for defending a friend

[dancingdoc2]

> and then follow up by doing that whole "emphasize my point by poking your chest hard" would I be able to hit him in self defense?

First, warn him of what you will do if he decides to poke you, again.

Second, grasp his finger(s) while on your chest, step back and twist either his fingers, or his wrist.

One, the other, or both, seem like an appropriate response. Socking him is overboard unless he persists.

[Thecalliton]

found this Self-Defense and the Law
has some sensible stuff

[EvilEvilKitten]

Okay! That answers that.

Speaking to the management also works. By speaking I mean yelling for him to get his butt over here and get this man out of your face at the top of your lungs so everyone on the planet hears you because you have important stuff to do and cannot be bothered by idiots like this guy here.

Works for little old ladies like me.

[big916]

im not buying the little old lady thing EEK. i have a strong assumption that you can kick some ass and take no prisoners.

[EvilEvilKitten]

Tsk! Too much like work. I have my minions do all of that.

[dancingdoc2]

Thanks for finding the confirmation to what I mentioned, above.

[big916]

Lol, You beat up men for a living EEK?