A traveler already under attack

A private person intends only to preserve his life. The measure of defence is on the file. The question is whether the defence is licit — not whether the killing is a sin.

A traveler is already under attack. He intends only to live. He does not mean to kill, and death is not his means. Practical judgment has found the force proportionate. Is the defence licit?

That is the respondeo of II-II q. 64 a. 7. Let me take the rule itself before I answer.

Your facts give me the premises, including the finding on the measure. Let me ask with exactly those.

On these facts the defence is licit. The liberty to defend himself opens. A private person is still forbidden to intend killing: that prohibition does not wait on the measure.