New Richmond, OH asked in Criminal Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Ohio

Q: Can two people legally fist fight if they both consent

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: In Ohio, as in many states, consenting to a physical fight does not necessarily make it legal. Even if both parties agree to a fist fight, it can still be considered a breach of the peace or a violation of public order laws.

The legal system generally discourages acts of violence, regardless of mutual consent. This is because such acts can lead to serious injuries and have broader public safety implications.

If a fight results in significant injury, both participants could face legal consequences, including charges of assault. It's important to consider that law enforcement and the courts may not view the mutual consent as a valid defense in such cases.

In summary, while mutual consent might seem like a justification, it's best to avoid physical fights to steer clear of potential legal troubles. If you're facing legal issues related to this matter, it's advisable to consult with an attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Remember, there are always non-violent ways to resolve disputes.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.