Legal Definitions - defense of property

Defense of property is a legal term that means using force to protect one's property from being taken or damaged by someone else. It is an affirmative defense to liability for an alleged crime.

For example, if someone breaks into your house and you use force to stop them, you may argue that your actions were necessary to protect your property. However, the force used must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat posed. Deadly force cannot be used to protect property from interference by others.

Another example is if someone is trying to steal your car and you use force to stop them. You may argue that your actions were necessary to protect your property.

These examples illustrate how defense of property can be used as a defense in criminal cases. It is important to remember that the force used must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat posed.