07-08-2015, 10:14 AM
I understand Cutz.
I do not believe that Johnson punched the woman in the face in self-defense. It appears clear to me that he punched her because he was pissed off and she wasn't backing off, not because he reasonably feared that he was in danger.
It doesn't matter what I think though. The Florida law says that someone who reasonably believes that they're in imminent danger has no obligation to retreat and can use force to protect themselves. So, maybe Johnson and Baez will claim that Johnson felt endangered and they'll try to put on a self defense claim.
If they do, the video might work for them, but it might work against them. He's pushing up against her first and puts his hands on her first. Then again, she curled up her fist, which could be seen as a threat. Who would legally be considered the initial aggressor? It's murky.
Will be interesting to see where this one goes legally.
I do not believe that Johnson punched the woman in the face in self-defense. It appears clear to me that he punched her because he was pissed off and she wasn't backing off, not because he reasonably feared that he was in danger.
It doesn't matter what I think though. The Florida law says that someone who reasonably believes that they're in imminent danger has no obligation to retreat and can use force to protect themselves. So, maybe Johnson and Baez will claim that Johnson felt endangered and they'll try to put on a self defense claim.
If they do, the video might work for them, but it might work against them. He's pushing up against her first and puts his hands on her first. Then again, she curled up her fist, which could be seen as a threat. Who would legally be considered the initial aggressor? It's murky.
Will be interesting to see where this one goes legally.