While an abundance of literature covers the right of states to defend themselves against external aggression, this work is dedicated to the right to personal self-defense in international law. Drawing on his extensive experience as a human rights practitioner and scholar, Dr Hessbruegge sets out, in careful detail, the strict requirements that human rights impose on defensive force by law enforcement authorities, especially police killings in self-defense. The text also discusses the exceptional application of the right to personal self-defense in military-led operations, notably to contain violent civilians who do not directly participate in hostilities.