Self Defense
K.S.A. 21-5222 — force a person reasonably believes necessary, deadly force against death or great bodily harm, and no duty to retreat
A person may use force to the extent they reasonably believe it is necessary to defend themselves or a third person against another's imminent use of unlawful force, and deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm.
Who handles this in Kansas: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Kansas directory.
A person who is not engaged in unlawful activity and is attacked where they have a right to be has no duty to retreat, and may stand their ground and use any force the law would otherwise justify.
Immunity. A person whose force was justified is immune from criminal prosecution and civil action for it, and police may investigate but may not arrest for it without probable cause. The immunity does not cover force against a law enforcement officer doing their duty who identified themselves or whom the person knew, or should have known, was an officer.
Sources for this section (3)
- K.S.A. 21-5222 — Defense of a person; no duty to retreat
- K.S.A. 21-5230 — No duty to retreat
- K.S.A. 21-5231 — Immunity from prosecution or liability; investigation
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Kansas attorney.