Aggressor, Unjust
aggressor, unjust
One who attacks another physically without due cause; the party who is unjustly attacked may lawfully use whatever degree of force is necessary to protect himself adequately.
Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary
Aggressor, Unjust
According to the accepted teaching of theologians, it is lawful, in the defense of life or limb, of property of some importance, and of chastity, to repel violence with violence, even to the extent of killing an unjust assailant. This is admitted to be true with the reservation included in the phrase “servato moderamine inculpatae rutelae.” That is, only that degree of violence may be employed which is necessary adequately to protect one from the attack. For example, if it were enough in the circumstances to maim an enemy it would be unlawful to kill him. It is likewise lawful to aid another to the same extent and within the same limits as are permissible for self-defense. (See HOMICIDE.)
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GURY, Comp. Theol. Moral. (Prato, 1901) I, 381; LIGUORI, n. 380.
JOSEPH F. DELANY
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume ICopyright © 1907 by Robert Appleton CompanyOnline Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. KnightNihil Obstat, March 1, 1907. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., CensorImprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York