If this bill were to become law, it would amend current statutes regarding the justification for the use of physical force or deadly physical force in criminal prosecutions. Specifically, the bill would expand the applicability of justification as a defense from only certain offenses listed in the criminal code to any criminal offense. This change is reflected in the insertion of language that specifies justification is a defense in "any prosecution for a criminal offense" rather than just "an offense pursuant to this title."

Additionally, the bill makes technical changes to the existing language, replacing the term "defined" with "prescribed" and clarifying the reference to the section of the law. The current statute's language that limits justification to specific offenses would be deleted, thereby broadening the scope of defenses available to individuals facing criminal charges related to the threat or use of physical force.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-401
House Engrossed Version: 13-401