The emergency protection right
by Hanshi Jörgen Lindberg
"The right to self-defence in, for example, Sweden, allows
an individual to use force to defend themselves, others, their own, and others' property from ongoing or imminent danger. According to Swedish law, self-defence is permitted if it is necessary, proportionate, and there is a real danger that requires defence. Courts assess each case individually to determine if self-defence has been used in a legal manner.
There may be a challenge for the individual citizen to understand and apply the right to self-defence correctly, especially for people who are not familiar with the law or have not received education about it. This can lead to misunderstandings or excessive use of force in situations where it is not justified by the law.
Education and awareness about the right to self-defence are important to ensure that it is used correctly and that fair judgments are made in cases where self-defence is invoked. This is especially true for those of us with a solid martial arts background, as we are judged by a different standard because of this and are expected to handle violence-related situations better than others. Personally, I believe that every serious instructor should acquire a basic knowledge of the subject in order to then convey reality-based factual information to their students.
There is also a potential socioeconomic inequality regarding access to education about legal subjects such as the right to self-defence. Individuals with higher economic prosperity are more likely to have the opportunity to invest in education and legal advice, which can give them an advantage in understanding and applying the law correctly. On the other hand, individuals with lower economic resources may be more likely to face situations where they need to defend themselves or their property, making it even more important for them to understand their rights under the right to self-defence.
This imbalance in access to knowledge and resources can lead to unfair outcomes in the legal system. Therefore, it is important to consider and address these socioeconomic factors when discussing justice and access to legal knowledge.
It is a common observation that socioeconomic factors can affect access to legal knowledge and justice in many countries around the world. In many societies, individuals with higher economic prosperity more often have access to education and legal resources, which can give them an advantage when navigating the legal system.
At the same time, individuals with lower economic resources may face barriers that limit their access to justice, such as a lack of access to legal advice or difficulties in paying for legal proceedings. This inequality can contribute to reinforcing social and economic divides and challenge the principle of equality before the law.
Therefore, the right to self-defence in Sweden and several other countries gives individuals the right to defend themselves, other persons, their own, and others' property in certain situations. The benefits of Swedish self-defence law include:
- Protection against threats and violence: It allows people to protect themselves and others from threats and acts of violence.
- Right to self-defence: People have the right to defend themselves and their loved ones if attacked or threatened with violence.
- Security and safety: The right to self-defence provides people with a sense of security and safety by allowing them to act in dangerous situations without risking legal consequences.
- Deterrent effect: Knowledge of the right to self-defence can act as a deterrent to potential attackers and help reduce violent crime.
- Preservation of property: By allowing the defence of property, self-defence law can help reduce theft and burglary.
In summary, the right to self-defence in Sweden gives individuals the opportunity to protect themselves and their assets in dangerous situations, thereby promoting a sense of security and safety in society."
