Legal Definitions - force

Definition: Power, violence, or pressure directed against a person or thing.

Examples:

• Actual force: A robber physically attacking a victim to steal their belongings.
• Constructive force: A robber threatening a victim with a weapon to gain control of their belongings.
• Deadly force: A person using violent action that could cause death or serious bodily harm in self-defense against another's deadly force.
• Reasonable force: A person using force that is not excessive and appropriate for protecting themselves or their property.
• Unlawful force: A person directing force against another without their consent, which is a criminal offense or an actionable tort.

The examples illustrate different types of force and how they can be used or directed against a person or thing. Actual force involves physical violence, while constructive force involves threats and intimidation. Deadly force is a violent action that could cause serious harm, and reasonable force is appropriate for self-defense or protecting property. Unlawful force is directed against a person without their consent and is a criminal offense or actionable tort.