California · Penal Code

PEN §693: Resistance sufficient to prevent the offense may be made by the party about to be injured: 1.

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute defines the legal right of a person to use resistance to prevent injury to themselves, their family, or unlawful taking of their property.

Read the full statutory text
Resistance sufficient to prevent the offense may be made by the party about to be injured: 1. To prevent an offense against his person, or his family, or some member thereof. 2. To prevent an illegal attempt by force to take or injure property in his lawful possession.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.