Index

California Justifiable Homicide Law

Summary

Defines homicide as justifiable when committed in defense of self or others against a person intending to commit a felony or cause great injury.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    You may use force to defend yourself against an immediate threat of bodily harm.
  • 02.
    You can use as much force as is reasonably necessary to stop the threat.
  • 03.
    You are allowed to stand your ground and even pursue an assailant until the danger has passed.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Conviction for voluntary manslaughter if 'imperfect self-defense' is found (honest but unreasonable belief).
  • 02.
    Murder charges if the force used was purely retaliatory.
  • 03.
    Prison sentences ranging from 3 years to life depending on the degree of the crime.

Verified Citations

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