Beckford v The Queen

Subject Matter

CRIME — Self-defence — Homicide — Defendant police officer killing man believing him to be dangerous gunman firing at police — Jury directed that test for self-defence based on defendant's belief in necessity to resist attack being reasonable — Whether misdirection — Whether honest belief correct test

[1988] QB 130; [1987] 3 WLR 611

Commentary

Blackstones Criminal Practice 2025
Defences Involving Other Excuses and Justifications - Self-defence, Prevention of Crime and Related Defences Generally - Consistency of Defences Based on Use of ‘reasonable force’ A3.57

Defences Involving Other Excuses and Justifications - Self-defence, Prevention of Crime and Related Defences Generally - Self-defence and Pre-emptive Strikes A3.67

Defences Involving Other Excuses and Justifications - Self-defence, Prevention of Crime and Related Defences Generally - The Subjective Question: The Circumstances as the Accused Believes Them to Be A3.60