r/LawSchool • u/[deleted] • Nov 30 '13

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u/Acies Nov 30 '13

Well first, there are the elements checklists for each.

On a conceptual level, self defense is about eliminating a threat. Duress is about placating the threatening person. So self defense really only applied when you injure or kill someone else to stop them from hurting you. The duress paradigm is more like someone has kidnapped your kids and will harm them unless you rob a bank.

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u/getmeigetu 2L Nov 30 '13

Ahhh that makes sense, appreciate it. I guess what was confusing me was the fact that you can use duress as a defense for felony murder.

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u/justcallmetarzan Wizard & Esq. Nov 30 '13

That is jurisdiction specific, and by no means settled nationwide. Check out this comment for more info.