Q: Would it be legal for someone being abused to drug their abuser to facilitate an escape?
For example, a woman slipping a sedative into her partner's water so she can escape while he is unconscious
A:
This is an oddly specific question. It may be illegal, and probably is. I can see that you're thinking of it in a "self-defense" sense, but it is not that clear and easy to be sure that the action is justified/"legal." In Florida, a person (Defendant) would be justified in using non-deadly force against someone (the victim) if the following two facts are proved: 1. The Defendant must have reasonably believed that such conduct was necessary to defend himself/herself/another against (victim’s) imminent use of unlawful force against the defendant/another person; 2. The use of unlawful force by (victim) must have appeared to (defendant) to be ready to take place.
The best option in this scenario appears to be for the woman to contact law enforcement and tell them that she is a victim of false imprisonment/domestic violence.
Terrence H Thorgaard agrees with this answer
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