Flee To The Wall
Defined in 3 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910)
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
A figurative expression used in the criminal law to express the duty of one assailed by violence to retreat as far as he safely may before making violent resistance. It probably originated from the language of Blackstone, who says: "The party assaulted must flee as far as he conveniently can, either by reason of some wall, ditch, or other impediment, or as far as the fierceness of the assault will permit him." 4 Bl. Comm. 185.
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Used in connection with killing in self-defense as meaning that one must do all in his power to avoid killing his assailant. See 96 Minn. 318, 2 L. R. A. (N. S.) 49, 104 N. W. 971.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
A metaphorical expression, used in connection with homicide done in self-defense, signifying the exhaustion of every possible means of escape or of averting the assault, bsfore kllling the assailant.