• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.10 no.7
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• pp.107-114
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• 2012

Self-defense is defined as 'an act which is performed in order to prevent impending and unjust infringement of one's own or another person's legal interest'(Article 21, the Criminal Act). To establish such a self-defense, it is generally suggested that it requires an intent for defense as subjective element as well as objective precondition of impending and unjust infringement of one's own or another person's legal interest' and considerable reason. Intent for defense which means an awareness for objective circumstance of self-defense is recognized as objective justification element for self-defense. With regard to intent for defense, there are various discussions on not only necessity of such an intent for defense but whether it is necessary for both actor's recognition of circumstance and specific purpose or motive and which should be applied for its punishment in case of lack of the intent for defense: consummated, unconsummated or semi-consummated. However, there is no clear regulations. This article reviews the contents of intent for defense based on opinion that it is necessary for intent for defense and then examines contents on criminal effect in case of lack of intent and intent for defense in case of criminal negligence.