​KembaraXtra-Case Law-Beckford (1987) PC - Study Notes on Self-Defence
​I. Case Summary

• Case Name: Beckford (1987) PC
• Facts:
  • D (a police officer) investigated a domestic dispute.
  • Shot and killed a man running from the back of the house.
• Outcome: D was found Not Guilty of Murder.

II. Key Legal Principles (Per Lord Griffiths)A. Right to Self-Defence and Defence of Others

• A person has a right to protect himself from attack.
• A person has a right to act in the defence of others.
• Condition: Force used must be necessary and reasonable.

B. Pre-emptive Strike Justification

• A person does not have to wait for an assailant to strike the first blow or fire the first shot.
• Circumstances may justify a pre-emptive strike.

C. Test for Self-Defence

• Core Principle: "A person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances."
• Subjective Belief: ... "as he honestly believes them to be"
• Purpose: ... "in the defence of himself or another."