ABSTRACT

Few acts elicit stronger and more widespread condemnation than purposefully causing physical harm to another person. The general prohibition against harming others is fundamental to peaceful co-existence of humans in societies, and indeed no known communities permit indiscriminate use of force against other humans (Turiel, 2002). Interpersonal force is only permitted in clearly circumscribed and exceptional circumstances, such as self-defense (Cover, 1986; Jambon & Smetana, 2014; Leverick, 2006; Nucci & Turiel, 2009; Wainryb, Brehl, & Matwin, 2005).