When defending another person, what must the actor reasonably believe about intervention?

When defending another person, what must the actor reasonably believe about intervention?

• A. The actor reasonably believes that LEO intervention is necessary
• B. The actor must obtain consent from the third person
• C. The actor can intervene without considering risk
• D. The actor should wait for the third person to defend themselves

Answer: (A)

When defending another person, you act only if you reasonably believe that intervention is needed to stop an imminent threat and that involving law enforcement is the appropriate next step. The best answer reflects the idea that your intervention is guided by a reasonable belief that LEO involvement is necessary to protect the victim and restore safety, rather than trying to handle the situation alone or ignoring risk. You may use only reasonable, proportional force and should seek to contact law enforcement as soon as possible. You don’t need the third person’s consent, and you should not assume you can proceed without considering the danger or wait indefinitely for the third party to defend themselves.

When defending another person, you act only if you reasonably believe that intervention is needed to stop an imminent threat and that involving law enforcement is the appropriate next step. The best answer reflects the idea that your intervention is guided by a reasonable belief that LEO involvement is necessary to protect the victim and restore safety, rather than trying to handle the situation alone or ignoring risk. You may use only reasonable, proportional force and should seek to contact law enforcement as soon as possible. You don’t need the third person’s consent, and you should not assume you can proceed without considering the danger or wait indefinitely for the third party to defend themselves.