Which of the following is NOT considered an element of self-defense under Illinois law?

Under Illinois law, the concept of self-defense includes specific elements that must be met for an individual to justify their use of force. The relevant elements consist of a reasonable belief in imminent harm, the proportionality of the response to the threat, and the expectation that one should retreat if it is safe to do so before resorting to force.

The element of preemptive striking does not fall under self-defense because self-defense is intended to address responses to immediate threats rather than initiating confrontation. Preemptive striking implies taking aggressive action before a threat can materialize, which does not align with the self-defense standard. The law emphasizes responding to actual threats rather than acting upon speculation or fear of potential harm.

Understanding these specific elements clarifies the legal framework for self-defense in Illinois, further underscoring why preemptive action does not qualify under the legal definition of self-defense.