If a defendant's self-defence claim is accepted, what is the likely outcome?

• A. Acquittal of the charged offence.
• B. Conviction for attempted murder.
• C. Conviction for assault only.
• D. Conviction for murder.

Answer: (A)

Self-defence provides a complete justification for the defendant’s actions. If the defendant reasonably believes they face imminent unlawful violence and uses force that is no more than necessary and proportionate to prevent harm, the law treats those actions as lawful. When this defence is accepted, the charged offence is not proven, so the outcome is an acquittal. There would not be a conviction for murder, attempted murder, or assault because liability for the offence is negated by the justification. The other outcomes would only occur if the defence were not accepted or if distinct charges were pursued without the self-defence justification.