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

In Texas law, "self-defense" is defined as the legal justification to use force to protect oneself from imminent harm or threat of injury. This definition encompasses the necessity for an individual to act in a way that is proportional to the threat they are facing. The emphasis on "imminent" indicates that the perceived danger must be immediate, requiring a prompt response to prevent harm. This principle is rooted in the idea that individuals have the right to defend themselves and ensure their safety in situations where they are faced with imminent danger or unlawful aggression.

The concept of self-defense is carefully delineated to prevent misuse of this justification; it specifically does not allow for the use of force in retaliation after an attack has occurred, nor does it endorse the use of force in situations that do not present an immediate threat. As such, the definition underscores the importance of a reasonable belief in the necessity of force to avoid harm, which aligns with the legal standards set forth in Texas law regarding self-defense.