Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Missouri

Self Defense

I have two children in public school that has disabilities. One child has learning disabilities and the othe ADHD and bipolar. I have repeatedly asked the school officials to protect my children from verbal, mental and physical abuse from other students. My children are made fun of on a daily basis, called hutful names, pushed around on, and physically hit and kicked. The staff never helps my children in time.I have told the school pricipal that if the staff will not protect my children then my children have my permission to protect themselves from bodily harm. I have told the children that they may not start a fight but they did not have to get beat up on either. Do my children has the right to defend themselves?


Asked on 5/22/02, 11:57 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: Self Defense

Every human being has the right to self-defense. It would be best for your children to avoid violence; it would be best if an adult would intervene and control the situation. Your children do not have to suffer physical abuse, however, in the absence of intervention by an adult, and may use reasonable force to defend themselves if under actual physical attack.

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Answered on 5/22/02, 12:03 pm


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