The way I see it, if you are assaulted, you are entitled to...

The way I see it, if you are assaulted, you are entitled to retaliate in self defence to prevent further assault.
So what is assault? According to a judge's direction to jurors,(remember that thread on jury duty?), if one threateningly clenches a fist and is within striking distance of another person and causing that person concern, an assault has already been committed even though a blow has not been struck. Not so if the person is several feet away and not in striking distance.
So if some aggro twerp gets seriously and literally in your face, you are justified in sitting him down...if you can, lol. If you fail and only enrage him, you will no doubt get stomped well and truly these days, even though you were legally justified in smiting him. Think it through first, lol. The law is not going to save you from serious injury.
The wisest move is to avoid confrontations at all cost if possible.....

GZ