A person using force that meets the definition of self-defense is immune from what type of liability?

When discussing self-defense, it is important to understand that individuals have the right to protect themselves from imminent harm. If a person's use of force is justified under the definition of self-defense, they are immune from both civil and criminal liability. This means that if an individual's actions meet the legal criteria for self-defense—such as demonstrating that they reasonably believed they were in immediate danger and that their response was proportional to the threat—they cannot be held liable in a court of law for either damages or criminal charges resulting from those actions.

In contrast, civil liability often relates to claims for damages arising from actions that may have caused harm to another person, while criminal liability pertains to offenses punishable by law. Since properly executed self-defense is recognized as a lawful defense, individuals are protected from the repercussions that would typically follow an act of violence, provided their actions fully comply with the self-defense criteria. This legal immunity underlines the principle that individuals should be able to defend themselves without facing harsh penalties when acting in justifiable situations.