Use of physical force in defense of a person

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  1. (a)

    1. (1) A person is justified in using physical force upon another person to defend himself or herself or a third person from what the person reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force by that other person, and the person may use a degree of force that he or she reasonably believes to be necessary.

    2. (2) However, the person may not use deadly physical force except as provided in § 5-2-607.

  2. (b) A person is not justified in using physical force upon another person if:

    1. (1) With purpose to cause physical injury or death to the other person, the person provokes the use of unlawful physical force by the other person;

    2. (2)

      1. (A) The person is the initial aggressor.

      2. (B) However, the initial aggressor's use of physical force upon another person is justifiable if:

        1. (i) The initial aggressor in good faith withdraws from the encounter and effectively communicates to the other person his or her purpose to withdraw from the encounter; and

        2. (ii) The other person continues or threatens to continue the use of unlawful physical force; or

    3. (3) The physical force involved is the product of a combat by agreement not authorized by law.


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