Zach gets angry because Austin earned a better grade on a test than he did. They get into an argument, and Zach takes a swing at Austin, intending to hit him. Austin shoves Zach in order to avoid the blow. Which of the following is true regarding Austin's actions?
A) Austin has committed a battery.
B) Austin has committed both an assault and a battery.
C) Austin has not committed an assault or a battery because he acted in self-defense.
D) Austin cannot rely on self-defense because he was involved in the argument and not completely innocent.
E) Austin cannot rely upon self-defense because his life was not in danger.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Austin's actions are considered self-defense because he was responding to an immediate threat from Zach. Self-defense is a legal justification for actions that might otherwise be considered assault or battery, provided the response is proportional to the threat. In this case, shoving Zach to avoid a punch is a proportional response.

Zach Gets Angry Because Austin Earned a Better Grade on a Test