aiding another person to resist an offense against that person.
Lesson 6.3: Defense of Self and Others
Purpose of This Lesson
Minnesota law recognizes that a person may use force to defend against an offense against the person. Minnesota law also recognizes aiding another person in resisting an offense against that person.
This lesson explains the difference between defending yourself, defending another person, and inserting yourself into a situation you do not understand.
Defense of Self or Another
Under Minnesota Statute 609.06, reasonable force may be used by a person in resisting, or aiding another person to resist, an offense against the person.
That does not mean every fear, insult, argument, or uncomfortable situation justifies force.
The force used must be reasonable under the circumstances. The facts matter. The threat matters. The conduct of the people involved matters. The ability to avoid or leave may also matter.
Unknown Fights Are Dangerous
A permit holder should be very careful about entering a fight between other people.
You may not know who started the conflict, what happened before you noticed it, whether both people are aggressors, whether one person is trying to disengage, or whether the person you think you are helping is actually the unlawful aggressor.
Witnesses may misunderstand your actions. Law enforcement may arrive and see you with a firearm. The person you intend to help may not want your help.
Good intentions do not erase bad facts.
Family Members
The same law applies when the person being defended is a family member.
The emotional pressure may be greater, but the legal questions still matter. Was there an offense against the person? Was force reasonable? If deadly force was used, was it necessary under Minnesota Statute 609.065?
Love for another person does not remove the legal standard.
Deadly Force in Defense of Another
If the situation involves deadly force, Minnesota Statute 609.065 controls.
Defense of another person does not create a lower standard. Deadly force is only considered when the facts support a reasonable belief that you or another person faces imminent death or great bodily harm, or when Minnesota law allows deadly force to prevent a felony in the person’s place of abode.
Davey Defense Standard
At Davey Defense, students are taught to protect innocent life, but not to volunteer blindly for unknown fights.
See clearly. Think clearly. Know what you are stepping into.
If you can safely avoid the fight, avoid it. If you can get yourself and your family away, leave. Call 911. Be a good witness.
Use force only when Minnesota law allows it and the facts require it.