KNES 154 Self Defense Fall 2025 Midterm Study Guide

These flashcards cover key definitions and concepts related to self-defense, including legal terms, personal safety strategies, and psychological phenomena.

Self Defense

The defense of one’s person or interests through physical force, permitted in certain cases as an answer to a charge of violent crime.

Four Elements of Self Defense

1) Unprovoked attack; 2) Threats of imminent injury or death; 3) Objectively reasonable degree of force; 4) Objectively reasonable fear of injury or death.

Stand-Your-Ground State

A state law that allows individuals to use force without retreating in order to prevent harm.

Castle Doctrine

A legal doctrine permitting the use of deadly force against intruders in one's home.

Simple Assault

The illegal attempt to inflict violent injury to another person, defined under Penal Code 240.

Battery

Willful and illegal use of violence or force against another individual, defined under Penal Code 242.

Situational Awareness

Being aware of one’s surroundings and potential threats to personal safety.

Fight or Flight Response

The physiological reaction to perceived threats that prepares one to either confront or flee from danger.

Peripheral Vision

The ability to see objects outside of one's central field of vision, enhancing awareness.

Bystander Intervention

Recognizing a risky situation and taking action to prevent harm or support those in need.

Bystander Effect

A phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help someone in need when others are present.

Self-Esteem

Overall evaluation one has of oneself, not based on specific tasks or achievements.

Self-Confidence

Belief in one's own abilities to succeed, often task-based.