Question from a reader:
If someone snatches your ticket at a live venue and you chase them down and catch them, but they refuse to return it and instead attack you, are you allowed to retaliate in self-defense? In that case, is there a possibility of being charged with a crime?

Considering Ticket Snatching and Self-Defense at Live Venues

Recently, I’ve
heard that troubles at live venues are on the rise. In particular, incidents of ticket snatching are something that can actually happen. In this situation, if you chase down the person who snatched your ticket and retaliate in self-defense, is that permissible? And what is the likelihood of facing legal charges in such a case? This time, I would like to delve into this issue from a legal perspective. Being in the entertainment industry myself, I have some understanding of how frightening such troubles can be. So, let’s think about this concretely.

The Reality of Ticket Snatching Incidents

First, let’s imagine a situation where your ticket is snatched. You are looking forward to a concert by your favorite artist and heading to the venue. Suddenly, someone snatches the ticket from your hand. It’s an unbelievable moment. You might momentarily be unsure of what just happened and feel compelled to chase after the person. In such a situation, if you manage to catch the person but they refuse to return the ticket and instead attack you, the question arises: is it permissible to retaliate in self-defense?

What is the Right to Self-Defense?

The right to self-defense is one of the rights recognized by law. Under Japanese criminal law, actions taken to protect oneself or others from unlawful infringement are considered legal under certain conditions. Therefore, there are circumstances where retaliating after being attacked is permissible. However, there are several conditions regarding this right to self-defense. First, the retaliation must be the minimum necessary. Second, it is only applicable if the attack poses a realistic danger.

Actual Case Study

For example, if your ticket is snatched at a live venue, that act is clearly unlawful. It is a natural response for you to chase after the person and demand the return of your ticket. But what happens if they refuse to return it and instead launch an attack? Let’s say you retaliate in self-defense. If your retaliation is not excessive, there is a possibility that your actions could be recognized as justifiable self-defense. However, if the person merely pulled your arm and you retaliated with excessive force, that could be seen as “excessive defense.”

Possibility of Being Charged

If you retaliate and cause injury to the other person, you may face charges for assault. Under Japanese law, even if the other person attacked you, if your response was excessive, you cannot avoid being charged. It is important to note the necessity of adhering to “minimum necessary defensive actions.” For instance, if the other person pushes you, pushing back might be permissible, but hitting them could often be seen as excessive defense.

Expert Opinions

According to legal experts, calmness is essential in such situations. Acting on emotion and retaliating can lead to further troubles down the line. I personally understand how difficult it can be to remain calm in emotionally charged situations. Especially at a concert of your favorite artist, it would be nearly impossible to stay composed if you were caught up in such trouble.

In Summary

Whether you are allowed to retaliate in self-defense when your ticket is snatched depends on the situation. If it is clear that you were attacked and your retaliation is the minimum necessary, it may be recognized as self-defense. However, if your response is excessive, the likelihood of facing charges increases. When attending concerts or events, it is important to be aware of these risks and to have knowledge to protect yourself. Of course, it’s something we would rather not think about, but being prepared for the worst can help you enjoy the experience with a bit more peace of mind. Finally, if trouble does arise, it is crucial to act calmly. Even if emotions run high, make sure to maintain your composure. Safety is paramount for us to enjoy our entertainment.