Which of the following is an element of self-defense?

Self-defense is a legal justification for using force to protect oneself from an imminent threat. One of the key elements of self-defense is the reasonable belief of imminent risk of harm. This means that an individual must genuinely perceive that they are about to be harmed by another person and that this perception is reasonable under the circumstances. The immediacy of the threat is crucial; self-defense cannot be claimed for a future or anticipated harm that is not happening at that moment.

In this context, if a person believes they are facing an imminent threat of physical attack, they may respond with force to protect themselves. This aligns with legal standards across many jurisdictions, where the necessity to act in self-defense is justified only when the risk is immediate and credible. Thus, the choice that reflects this principle correctly centers on the belief that harm is about to occur, which aligns with the requirements for justifying self-defense actions legally and ethically.