Question 467
© Libreria Editrice Vaticana Source: vatican.va
Why is the legitimate defense of persons and of society not opposed to this norm?
Answer
Because in choosing to legitimately defend oneself one is respecting the right to life (either one’s own right to life or that of another) and not choosing to kill. Indeed, for someone responsible for the life of another, legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty, provided only that disproportionate force is not used.