Varnarlögmálið

Varnarlögmálið is an Icelandic legal concept that translates to the "Law of Defense" or "Justification Law." It refers to the legal principles governing the use of force in self-defense or the defense of others and property within Iceland. The core of varnarlögmálið is enshrined in the Icelandic Penal Code, particularly sections dealing with necessity and self-defense.

The law establishes that an act, which would otherwise be unlawful, can be justified if it is committed to avert an immediate and unlawful attack. This defense is not absolute and is subject to strict conditions. The force used must be proportionate to the threat faced. Excessive or unnecessary force is not permitted and can lead to criminal liability. The threat must be imminent, meaning it is happening or about to happen, not a past or future possibility.

Furthermore, the defense is generally limited to situations where there is no reasonable alternative to using force. If one could safely escape or seek help, resorting to defensive force may not be considered justified. The legal principles also extend to the defense of property, though the threshold for justifying force is typically higher than for the defense of a person. Case law and legal interpretation play a significant role in defining the boundaries and application of varnarlögmálið in specific circumstances.