Self Defense

A person may use reasonable physical force to defend themselves or a third person from what they reasonably believe is the use or imminent use of physical force, to the degree they reasonably believe necessary. Deadly physical force is justified only against someone reasonably believed to be using or about to use deadly physical force, or inflicting or about to inflict great bodily harm.

• Deadly force is not justified when the person knows they can avoid the need for it with complete safety by retreating, except in their own dwelling or place of work when they were not the initial aggressor.
• Nor by surrendering property to someone claiming a right to it, or by complying with a demand to stop doing something they are not obliged to do.
• Force is not justified for someone who provoked it intending to injure, for the initial aggressor unless they withdraw and say so, or in a fight by agreement.

• Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-19StatuteUse of physical force in defense of personOpens cga.ct.gov ↗

A person in possession or control of premises may use reasonable force to prevent or end a criminal trespass, and deadly force only in defense of a person, to prevent an attempt at arson or a crime of violence, or to prevent or end an unlawful entry by force into their dwelling or place of work.

• Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-20StatuteUse of physical force in defense of premisesOpens cga.ct.gov ↗

Reasonable force may be used to prevent larceny or criminal mischief, or to regain property reasonably believed stolen within a reasonable time before. Deadly force is never justified for property alone.

• Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-21StatuteUse of physical force in defense of propertyOpens cga.ct.gov ↗