SQE Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Preparation Guide

The primary consideration when assessing the reasonableness of self-defense is proportionality to the threat faced. This means that the response of the individual claiming self-defense must be proportionate to the threat they were confronted with. In law, self-defense is justified only when it is necessary to protect oneself from imminent harm. If the response is excessive or disproportionate compared to the threat, it may not be deemed reasonable and could result in legal consequences.

For instance, if someone is faced with a minor attack or threat, responding with lethal force would generally be considered disproportionate and unreasonable. The rationale here is to ensure that the use of force in self-defense is appropriate to the circumstances, reflecting a balance between self-protection and the respect for life and bodily integrity.

In contrast, considerations such as the type of injury caused to the attacker, witness testimony, or the presence of a weapon may play a role in the overall context of a self-defense claim, but they do not form the primary basis for determining the reasonableness of the defensive action. The focus remains firmly on whether the amount of force used was suitable to counter the perceived threat at that moment.