reasonable force

[ˈriːzənəbl fɔːrs]
noun
força razoável
1. The legal and justified use of physical force that is necessary and proportionate to defend oneself, others, or property against unlawful harm, without exceeding what is necessary under the circumstances
The police officer was cleared of charges because the investigation determined that reasonable force was used to apprehend the suspect.
O policial foi inocentado porque a investigação determinou que força razoável foi usada para prender o suspeito.
2. In self-defense law, the amount of force that a reasonable person would consider necessary and appropriate to prevent injury or harm in a given situation
Under the law of self-defense, a person may use reasonable force to protect themselves from an attacker.
Sob a lei de legítima defesa, uma pessoa pode usar força razoável para se proteger de um agressor.
3. The legal standard applied in both criminal and civil cases to determine whether the use of force by law enforcement or civilians was justified and not excessive
The court examined whether the security guard's actions met the standard of reasonable force when restraining the intruder.
O tribunal examinou se as ações do segurança atenderam ao padrão de força razoável ao deter o invasor.
In the United States, 'reasonable force' is a well-established legal doctrine primarily applied in self-defense cases and law enforcement reviews. It represents a balance between the right to protect oneself or others and the prohibition against excessive violence. In Brazil, 'força razoável' similarly anchors the principle of legítima defesa (legitimate self-defense) in criminal law. The concept has gained significant prominence in public discourse, particularly regarding police conduct and civilian rights, making it a frequently debated term in legal, political, and social contexts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
justified forceproportionate forcenecessary forcelawful forceappropriate force
Antonyms / Antônimos
excessive forcedisproportionate forceunlawful forceunjustified forceunnecessary force

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
força razoável
Standard legal term used in Brazilian criminal law and self-defense contexts
São Paulo
força proporcional
Alternative term sometimes used in legal practice; emphasizes proportionality aspect
Portugal
força proporcionada
Portuguese legal terminology emphasizing the proportionate nature of the force
USA/Common Law
reasonable force
Standard legal term in Anglo-American legal systems; frequently evaluated in self-defense cases

Related Words

self-defenselegítima defesaproportionalityuse of forceexcessive forceforce continuumlethal force

Related Idioms & Phrases

within reasonable limits
justified use of force
proportional response
act of self-preservation
force necessary and proportionate
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