What section of the Criminal Code allows for the defense of property?

Section 35 of the Criminal Code allows for the defense of property. This section outlines the conditions under which individuals can use reasonable force to protect their property from unlawful interference. It emphasizes that force must be proportional to the threat, meaning that it should not exceed what is necessary to prevent the interference with property. This legal framework is crucial as it provides individuals and special constables with guidance on how to act in situations where they need to defend their property without crossing the line into unlawful conduct.

Understanding this section helps clarify the boundaries of self-defense and property defense in Canadian law, ensuring that actions taken to protect property are both lawful and reasonable under specified circumstances. The mention of the need for proportionality is particularly important, as it safeguards against excessive force and promotes a measured response to threats to property.