CHAPTER 1
General Explanations

25. An act committed under sudden impulse in defence of “one’s own self” shall not be an offence except where that act results in the death of a person.

Note : “One’s own self” shall mean the life of one’s own, that of his parents, his children, and that of dependents and relatives whose legal guardianship is attributed to him by religion.

GENERAL DEFENSES

CHAPTER 40. JUSTIFICATION DEFENSES
Section 45 – Defense of Person

(a) Subject to Subsection (b), a person’s use of force is justified if:

(1) it is necessary to defend against an unjustified use or threat of

force by an aggressor against:

(A) his own person, or

(B) the person of another; and

(2) the amount of force used is not disproportionate to the harm

threatened.

(b) Use of Force Risking Death or Serious Bodily Injury. A person’s

use of force that creates a substantial risk of causing death or serious bodily

injury is justified under Subsection (a) only if such force is necessary to defend

against a threat of death, serious bodily injury, or forcible intercourse.

(c) Definitions.

(1) Force is “unjustified” if it:

(A) satisfies the objective elements of an offense in Part II

of this Code, and

(B) is not justified by a defense in this Chapter.(2) Use of force is “disproportionate” if it is clearly in excess of

what a reasonable person would consider proportionate.

GENERAL DEFENSES

CHAPTER 40. JUSTIFICATION DEFENSES
Section 46 – Defense of Property

(a) Subject to Subsection (b), a person’s use of force is justified if:

(1) it is necessary to defend against an unjustified use or threat of

force against, or trespass on, or interference with:

(A) his property, or

(B) the property of another; and

(2) the amount of force used is not disproportionate to the harm

threatened.

(b) Use of Force Risking Death or Serious Bodily Injury. A person’s

use of force that creates a substantial risk of causing death or serious bodily

injury is not justified in the defense of property alone.