Which statute provides the justification for defending oneself or a third party from imminent unlawful force?

• A. 16-3-21
• B. 16-3-20
• C. 16-3-24.2
• D. 17-4-20

Answer: (D)

A key legal principle here is that there is a privilege to use reasonable force to protect yourself or another person from imminent unlawful harm. The statute that codifies this justification explains when that privilege applies: the threat must be immediate, the defender’s belief that force is necessary must be reasonable, and the force used must be proportionate to the danger. The same standard applies to defending a third party—the danger to that person must be imminent and you may act to stop it with proportionate force if your belief in the necessity is reasonable.

This is the best answer because it directly identifies the statutory justification for self-defense and defense of others. It isn’t about general aggressive conduct or punishment after the fact; it provides the legal defense to criminal liability when someone acts to prevent imminent harm. The statute that establishes this defense in the given jurisdiction is 17-4-20.