Legal Definitions - nondeadly force

Definition: Nondeadly force refers to power, violence, or pressure directed against a person or thing that is not intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily harm. It is force intended to cause only minor bodily harm or a threat of deadly force, such as displaying a knife. Reasonable force is force that is not excessive and that is appropriate for protecting oneself or one's property.

Examples:

• Pushing someone away from you during a physical altercation
• Using pepper spray to defend yourself from an attacker
• Displaying a knife to deter someone from attacking you

These examples illustrate nondeadly force because they are not intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily harm. They are reasonable and appropriate actions taken to protect oneself from harm.