Is it possible to be provoked to the point that it is okay to physically harm someone?

Question

I don't think that using physical force is EVER necessary, regardless of whether or not you're provoked. What do you guys think?

Answer 1

I am not sure what the technical answer is, from a legal standpoint.  From a moral perspective, here's my take on it:

If you or someone else is in imminent danger of being physically harmed, and there is no way to remove yourself and/or others from the dangerous situation, then physical force can be justified.

If you are talking about name calling or insults that make you angry, that really doesn't rise to the level of "imminent".  Many people deserve a smack in the head at times, but that fact doesn't make it acceptable to actually smack them.

  

Answer 2

They answer is yes if you ask George Bush.

If you are in fear of your life/well being, it is justafiable.

There are almost always other options....Like UN sanctions. ;-)

Answer 3

I think there's always a way to avoid violence but that door takes two people in agreement to walk through it to arrive at that particular destination.  

From another point of view...my buddy Jake always used to say, "Violence never solved anything...but it's a great place to start."

Answer 4

Agreed.

There are plenty of other venues to seek resolution.  Most of which are more successful than physical force.

Answer 5

in maine it is legal to kill someone if you have good reason to.

Answer 6

no it is not necessary ever, but you can not control it when you are ever at that point that u will physically harm someone.

when i am being harassed and on purpose provoked, and keeps going.... then i get to the point where i start throwing things, its not something that i can control. lol.... ie dont mess with me.

i mean when u know that you r making someone mad, to the point where they r screaming at you and crying, STOP>

Answer 7

the bible says turn the other cheak, but you only have TWO.  so yeah... sometimes it is neccassary.  now, i've never used it cuz im verrryyyy patient, but in some cases....right on

Answer 8

If you're provoked, your first task is to firmly tell the person provoking you to stop and that you don't appreciate it. If they continue, then your next task is to tell a higher authority. If they still continue to provoke you then you can punch them in the face. Make sure it is just enough force to teach them a lesson and not kill them because you'll go to jail.

Answer 9

To save a life or prevent a rape warrants the use of physical force.

Answer 10

I agree. But unfortunately, as we are all human, we all have faults.  

Answer 11

Depends on how the provoking is delivered!  In self defense when someone is physically attacking you YES, it may be necessary.  Although if there are other options like a police station that you can call then no call the police and try to wait it out.  If someone is verbally provoking you then no.

Answer 12

yep...possible....it maybe when one's just "filled" with fury or negative or sadistic thoughts about some one.....revenge, hatred, jealousy all can lead to this stage......i guess so .....that's y ppl say self control's important....and being positive about others really lessens the chance of these types of feelings......i also think physical force is never necessary....:D  

Answer 13

Yes it is. Only in the way that it is THE ONLY WAY out of a situation.

Then again there are people who just need a good beating to straighten them out.

Answer 14

I guess it depends on how you define "provoke."  If you mean by taunting, teasing, demeaning, or some sort of mental provocation, I don't think one should use violence in retort.  But, if you include physical provocation; i.e., someone hit you and you don't want to be hit again or if you are fearful that you are going to be the brunt of someone's rage, I think that it's ok to use sufficient force to make sure that you or your loved ones are safe.

Answer 15

No it's not okay whether your provoked or not violence is never the answer

Answer 16

iminent danger

Answer 17

I agree. Physical violence is not a valid method of conflict resolution.

Obviously, in extreme cases I would feel differently, as in the case of someone trying to harm you. Self-defense is not the same thing as picking a fight because someone insulted you.

Answer 18

We are ALWAYS in control of our own actions and anything we do is a choice.  If not, that would mean we could justify killing, rape, etc.

Answer 19

Unless the other person touches you first, you don't have a right to put your hands on them. Fight with the cranium first. :0

Answer 20

...You should never use physical force, no matter what the provocation, unless it's in self-defense.

Answer 21

To protect myself or a loved one from immediate physical harm, I would use physical force. Otherwise, no. It's best to try to talk it out or walk away if possible.

Answer 22

in todays world it is illegal, to hit someone, in the olden days it was OK, I think the olden days was better

Answer 23

I t depends on the situation. When people get really REALLY angry, they go into "fight or flight" mode.

It's human nature.

Not that i go around beating people up xD

Answer 24

Yes preferable not to a girl/woman

Answer 25

Remember "Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me."?  You don't go beating up on someone if they are only verbally provoking you.  If, however, they are threatening your LIFE verbally but you are not in imminent danger, call the police.  There are laws against that.  

I don't know what the laws are in your State regarding the use of a handgun if your life is in imminent danger but I'd find out.    

We have the Castle law in Texas.  We have the right to defend our life and property, even that of our consenting neighbors and their lives and property.  

Answer 26

I believe if there is no other way to protect oneself from emenent physical harm, the person needs to do whatever possible to protect his/herself.  

Answer 27

No, not in the context of just being provoked. Self-defense is another thing. Either we are civilized or were not. Violence begets violence...period!!!

Answer 28

Yes, it certainly is.

Answer 29

omg yessssssss

it has happened to me before im not gonna lie,

but its because i have anger issues

Answer 30

Yes then lock them up for Harassment of course you'll be probably be locked up for assault.  

Answer 31

That's a good question.  Police officers face that on a regular basis.

It depends on the degree of provocation.  If the line is crossed where you believe you are going to be harmed such as the person pushing you with a hand then you may well resort to physical force.  Physical force doesn't mean punching the guy's lights out.  You might attempt to restrain the person.  That is physical force.

Even a person coming towards you using the vilest of language may send you into fight of flight mode.  The person's fists are clenched, he's coming towards you while swearing at you but he hasn't touched you.  But you sucker punch him anyway because you were fearful of your safety.

Yes, there are situations when physical force becomes necessary but in most situations it can and should be avoided.