US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

      Sec. 53a-21. Use of physical force in defense of property. A person is justified in using reasonable physical force upon another person when and to the extent that he reasonably believes such to be necessary to prevent an attempt by such other person to commit larceny or criminal mischief involving property, or when and to the extent he reasonably believes such to be necessary to regain property which he reasonably believes to have been acquired by larceny within a reasonable time prior to the use of such force; but he may use deadly physical force under such circumstances only in defense of person as prescribed in section 53a-19.

      (1969, P.A. 828, S. 21; 1971, P.A. 871, S. 7; P.A. 92-260, S. 6.)

      History: 1971 act specified use of "reasonable" physical force; P.A. 92-260 made technical changes by replacing "believes it necessary" with "believes such to be necessary".

      A defendant is entitled to a theory of defense instruction as a matter of law when evidence under this section is before jury. 178 C. 704, 708. An act injurious to the physical well-being of a child is prohibited; the statute is not unconstitutionally vague. 192 C. 37, 39-42, 45. Cited. 204 C. 240, 250. Cited. 209 C. 75, 93, 94. Cited. 226 C. 601, 612.

      Cited. 2 CA 617-620. Cited. 8 CA 667, 669, 670-672, 672A, 672D. Cited. 16 CA 455, 461, 462. Cited. 19 CA 445, 446. Cited. 23 CA 615, 617. Cited. 24 CA 195, 210. Cited. 29 CA 283, 289; judgment reversed, see 228 C. 795 et seq. Cited. 31 CA 58, 68, 69. Cited. 32 CA 687, 694. Cited. 34 CA 368, 376; see also 233 C. 517 et seq. Cited. 45 CA 390.

      Cited. 34 CS 612.