How is "self-defense" defined in criminal law?

Self-defense is defined in criminal law as a legal justification for using force to protect oneself from imminent harm or threat. This principle allows individuals to respond to a perceived threat in a manner that is proportionate to the situation they face. The underlying rationale is that individuals have the right to protect their own life and safety when confronted with an immediate threat, provided that their response is reasonable and necessary under the circumstances.

In the context of self-defense, the level of force used must typically align with the level of threat faced. For instance, using deadly force is generally justified only if there is a reasonable belief that one's life is in danger. This legal doctrine serves to balance the right of an individual to defend themselves with the need to prevent unnecessary escalation of violence.

The other options suggest definitions that miss the essence of self-defense. Using force to commit a crime does not align with legal justifications. Self-defense is not limited to just violent crimes, as it can apply in various situations where an individual feels threatened, and it is not meant to function as a strategy to evade responsibility but rather to justify the actions taken in a dangerous situation.