The Law of Self Defense Principles

by Andrew F. Branca, Massad Ayoob (Foreword)

An Easy to Understand, Entertaining, and Critically Important Read The #1 guide for understanding when using force to protect yourself is legal. Carry with confidence, knowing you are protected from predators AND predatory prosecutors Correct the common myths you may think are true but get people in trouble Know you're getting the best with this abridged version of our best-selling 5-star Amazon rated book that has been praised by many (including self defense legends!) for its easy, entertaining and informative style. Many interesting, if sometimes heart-wrenching, true-life examples

Genres: Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is spot on.

I happen to have graduated from law school, so I can't say exactly how a non-lawyer would feel about this book. But, it does seem to give the pertinent legal details in the most easily understandable way.

I don't know Branca, but based on my own legal education and practice (unrelated to criminal law), he seems to know this area of law extremely well. He clearly knows the details way better than I, and I trust what he has written.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you have a conceal carry license or live in a “Constitutional carry” state, this book should be required reading.

[Tim Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent primer on the laws of self-defense. It is highly desirable that each of us familiarize ourselves with how the legal system views self-defense especially if you carry a concealed weapon. The author discusses first the legal principles and processes involved in a legal case of self-defense. Things such as: standards of proof which are the the threshold that must be met for a conviction (preponderance of the evidence as opposed to beyond a reasonable doubt); and burdens of proof of which there are two (burden of production and burden of persuasion).

He then gives a brief description of the criminal justice pipeline which is good info to have in the event of you being either a victim or accused of a crime. The description starts with the reporting of a crime, investigation, arrest, booking, and post-arrest investigation. From there, assuming the prosecutor decides to lay charges comes the complaint, arraignment, and indictment. If a trial is held there are pre-trial motions, jury selection, trial, jury deliberation, sentencing, and appeals. For someone who has never been exposed to the justice system such as myself, this info was helpful.

The majority of the book is a discussion of the five elements of self-defense law: Innocence, Immanence, Proportionality, Avoidance and Reasonableness. If you fail to demonstrate to the court or jury that you met the legal standard of just one of these, you are liable to lose your self-defense case.

The Author is an attorney who has been practicing self-defense law for over 30 years and is licensed to carry a concealed weapon.

[Vannessa Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What we learn in the The Law of Self Defense Principles

1) In 2024 there were 5.4 million murders, rapes, robberies, assaults and sexual assaults in the U.S.

2) Why juries get it wrong.

3) The role politics play for Prosecutors and/or the entire criminal justice process.

4) The five elements to self-defense claim.

a) Innocence
b) Imminence
c) Proportionality
d) Avoidance
e) Reasonableness

5) The Justice system is jacked-up for the regular Joe not to receive Justice.

The wealth of information in The Law of Self Defense Principles is invaluable!

[Carolyn Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FANTASTIC book on self defense, both with a weapon and in the courtroom. More than firearms, Branca covers how to be a law-abiding citizen, even when you are confronted with a dangerous situation. The author is an experienced attorney, and quotes case law and state statutes to illustrate his simple, clear points (at least as simple or clear as any law discussion can be).

Maybe a smidge of a star off because this book was self published and some of the page formatting is off.

[Marc K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a very simplistic view of the self defense plea before reading this book.

It has given me a clearer picture of what is reasonable outside of my home.

At home the picture is pretty clear, but put yourself in a dark alley, bar, automobile, or parking garage and things become muddy quickly.

If you own or plan to own a gun for self defense I highly encourage you to read this.

[Michael Cortes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book. This is a book about the use of deadly force, and that does not only include firearms. If you want to be prepared in case you every need to protect yourself from another human being, then you should know what the law has to say on the issue. Attorney Andre Branca has the MOST appropriate catch phrase, "...Know the law so you're hard to convict."

[Stephen Watts · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book that has been out a while, and has supposedly been revised, there are a distracting number of typos in it, some so glaring that it seems to have been improperly edited. That's why it only received three stars. I did like the way the author identified and explained his five principles of self defense that must be met in order to achieve an acquittal.

[Virginia Boylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if one doesn't own a gun, this book is full of good, common-sense advice and also more complex legal advice about the law and self-defense. If found it worthwhile reading and will keep it to read again.

[Book Guyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Everyone who carries should read. His podcast is also well worth the listen. This review is evidence I completed the book and internalized everything within, including the Tueller distance of 21ft!

[Brooke Furnari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Love the breakdown of everything! A great read for learning the law of self defense!

[SB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly informative

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

An abridged and updated version (2020) of The Law of Self Defense (2016).

Notes

On the Tueller Drill:

Timing a great many students running from a standing start, Tueller learned that someone could cross about 21 feet at speed in about 1.5 seconds. So, 21 feet [7 yards] became the "Tueller distance," or the maximum distance from a police officer a person can be and still be capable of striking the officer before the officer can present their pistol and shoot them in self-defense. ... Your Tueller distance will be greater or less than 21 feet depending on your ability to get you gun unholstered and pointed center-mass.

[Robert McKercher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required Reading

If you choose to be 'A Good Guy with a gun' you must know the laws!! This book is a superb start.