Definition of Self -Defense
In Criminal Law, self defense is defined as "an affirmative defense (e.g., to a murder charge) alleging that the defendant used serious force necessarily for self-protection. The claim of self-defense must normally rely on a reasonable belief that the other party intended to inflict great bodily harm or death and that avoidance by retreating was impossible." However , there are arugments as to the the disparity women face when using this term. Wimberly (2007) agrues that A woman who defends herself against a man's violence is either criminal or crazy" (p.6). Criminal Law has limitilations in taking into account the circumstances of battered women. This is unfortunately true. Here is an example of self-defense not being benefical toward women:
