Bill > S07915

This bill removes the requirement that a person facing an imminent physical threat must retreat before using physical force, including deadly force, in self-defense or defense of others. It also provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for the justified use of such force. The bill requires courts to dismiss charges against defendants who offer a justification defense unless the prosecutor can clearly show that the use of force was not reasonable or justified. Additionally, the bill establishes a "certificate of merit" process for certain civil actions related to the use of force, requiring the plaintiff's attorney to certify that the use of force was not justified.