This research examines the right to legitimate self-defence as a fundamental entitlement guaranteed by legal frameworks to protect individuals from unlawful aggressions threatening their lives property or legitimate rights The study aims to clarify the concept of self-defence and its governing legal controls while defining the boundaries between the lawful exercise of this right and instances of exceeding limits that may trigger legal liability Furthermore the research discusses the essential criteria for the legality of self-defence including the existence of an imminent and real danger the inability to resort to public authorities and the necessity of proportionality between the aggression and the defensive means employed It also addresses cases where the boundaries of self-defence are exceeded such as through the use of excessive force or continuing defensive actions after the danger has ceased evaluating the corresponding legal consequences whether regarding exemption from criminal liability or the establishment of liability when legally prescribed boundaries are breached Additionally the research highlights the stance of the UAE legislator on the right to self-defence through the provisions of the UAE Penal Code which regulates the conditions for exercising this right and the mitigating circumstances when a breach occurs in good faith The study concludes that while the right to self-defence is a lawful mechanism for protecting rights and interests its practice remains restricted by precise legal controls designed to balance individual protection with the prevention of the abuse of force The paper emphasizes that assessing the legality of self-defence or the violation of its limits remains subject to the discretionary authority of the judiciary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
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