Usage Note
Notwehr is a legal defence in Germany (§ 32 StGB): an act is not unlawful if it was necessary to repel a current unlawful attack. The principle is Notwehr schließt Rechtswidrigkeit aus — self-defence excludes unlawfulness.
Examples
"Der Angeklagte berief sich auf Notwehr, um seine Handlung zu rechtfertigen."
Natural Translation
The defendant invoked self-defence to justify his action.
Literal Translation
The accused invoked on self-defence, to his action to justify.
Related Words
- Abmahnschreiben formal warning letter (demanding cessation of unlawful conduct)
- Abschiebung deportation
- Akteneinsicht access to files
- Amtsgericht local court
- Amtspflicht official duty; duty of care owed by a public official
- Anfechtungsklage action for annulment
- Angeklagte defendant
- Anhörung hearing; right to be heard (before a decision is made)
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