<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations . Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations . (October 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations . Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations . (October 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> Self - defence is a legal doctrine which says that a person may use reasonable force in the defence of himself or another . This defence arises both from common law and the Criminal Law Act 1967 . Self - defence is a justification rather than an excuse, that is, the defence says that the person's actions were not a crime at all . </P> <P> Self - defence in English law is a complete defence to all non-sexual offences involving the unlawful use of force (i.e. anything from battery to murder). In other words, it results in a complete acquittal of the defendant . Generally speaking, the rationale is that the defendant is not guilty of the offence because the force used was not unlawful . </P>

Can self-defence be a defence to affray uk