Our Great justice system

1995sarah

And its law on self defence. Doesn't the law in Ireland take into account the fact that women would not physically be able to use reasonable force in a situation of attack from a man twice her size. Women's rights have a long way to go in this little island. Actually human rights have a way to go in this country as well. Don't you think.

beeftotheheels

1995sarah wrote: »

And its law on self defence. Doesn't the law in Ireland take into account the fact that women would not physically be able to use reasonable force in a situation of attack from a man twice her size. Women's rights have a long way to go in this little island. Actually human rights have a way to go in this country as well. Don't you think.

The test is what is reasonable under the circumstances which by definition takes into account size and strength differences.

As a small woman if I were attacked by an unarmed 6' 4" man it might be reasonable for me to hit him with a hurley (were one at hand) since I would likely be completely overpowered without any weapon.

On the other hand, if I, unarmed, attacked him it would be unlikely that it would be reasonable for him to hit me with the same hurley since he could reasonably be expected to defend himself with less force (including cartoon style placing a hand to my forehead and leaving me swinging away at thin air).

Hence "reasonable" force.

1995sarah

Thanks for the reasonable answer. I suppose the same would apply to an elderly person who is weaker.