Bill > A10114

This bill relates to the justified use of physical force. It removes the requirement that a person facing an imminent physical threat must retreat before using force in self-defense, and provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for the justified use of physical force, including deadly force, in certain situations. The bill also requires courts to dismiss charges against a defendant who offers a justification defense, unless the prosecution can prove by clear and convincing evidence that the use of force was not reasonable or justified. Additionally, the bill creates a certificate of merit requirement for certain civil actions brought by individuals who committed a crime against the defendant, where the defendant used physical force in response.