| p>Wikipedia defines a simple attack as one which is | | | | winning legally after the incident is over is rarely |
| executed in a single movement with no overt | | | | discussed. Legal issues can involve a trial as well as |
| intention other than to hit the opponent. | | | | civil lawsuits, which can mean big money from your |
| When the stars are aligned, you have recognized a | | | | pocket. The police will be called and your peers will |
| threat, there is no space to run, and an assailant's | | | | judge you on your reasonableness; what would a |
| attack is imminent, then attack! It is my opinion that | | | | reasonable person do in a similar situation? This is |
| defense is not the best option in a lethal encounter; | | | | always the first question asked, and precisely why |
| attacking is the only option. Your attacker is | | | | running is the best option if the opportunity presents |
| expecting to overwhelm you. Do not give him the | | | | itself. Why fight, not knowing a stranger's skill and |
| upper hand. Fight! Obviously, if running were an | | | | capacity for violence, when one can run? This is a |
| option, this would be my first choice. However, this | | | | good example of reasonableness. If one cannot flee |
| choice is not always available, so you need to learn | | | | in the face of imminent danger, one must fight. I |
| to strike first, fast, and hard to vital target areas. | | | | must reiterate: attack the attacker! He is not |
| What does the law say about hitting first? | | | | expecting this from you. Attack with no overt |
| The general criminal law allows for the use of | | | | intention because the element of surprise gives you |
| necessary and proportionate, non-deadly force in | | | | the upper hand: action is always faster than reaction. |
| self-defense anytime the victim reasonably believes | | | | Being able to articulate your intent after the fight is |
| that unlawful force is about to be used on him. - | | | | over is critical, and knowing your legal rights will go a |
| Peter Hobart, Esq. | | | | long way to ensure that you use reasonable force |
| The standard for use of deadly force is, predictably, | | | | and win legally in the aftermath. |
| higher. The general criminal law allows for the use of | | | | Make your fighting stance your everyday |
| deadly force anytime a faultless victim reasonably | | | | stance.--This is great advice from one of our ancient |
| believes that unlawful force which will cause death or | | | | warriors, Miyamoto Musashi. Be switched on and |
| grievous bodily harm is about to be used on him. - | | | | ready to go. |
| Peter Hobart, Esq. | | | | When you think of attacking, use the acronym that I |
| Alright. Go get educated on the subject. Talk to your | | | | learned from Tony Blauer, CWCT - Closest Weapon, |
| legal counsel and learn your rights under the law | | | | Closest Target! Reach out and touch the |
| within your jurisdiction. When you survive a violent | | | | attacker--hit him as hard as you can and then run. If |
| confrontation, you need to do it legally, mentally and | | | | you believe that his attack will cause death or |
| physically. All of these factors are important. Most | | | | grievous bodily harm, then attack and do not stop |
| self-defense instructors talk about surviving physically, | | | | the onslaught until the threat no longer exists. Run, |
| and some delve into the mental preparation which | | | | call the police, call your lawyer and prepare for legal |
| includes awareness and target hardening; however, | | | | battle. It will come, so be ready! |