Use of ForceQuestion 57 of 200

Under Penal Code §693, resistance by the party about to be injured may be made:

a.Only after first attempting to retreat
b.(1) To prevent the offense against the person or family; (2) To prevent illegal injury to the person's property, in either case using force proportionate to the threat
c.Only with peace-officer pre-authorization
d.Only verbally; physical resistance is unlawful

Explanation

Penal Code §693 authorizes resistance by the party about to be injured: (1) to prevent an offense against the person or family, and (2) to prevent an illegal injury to property in lawful possession. The amount of force must be proportionate; deadly force in defense of property alone is generally not permitted (see PC §197 distinctions). California does not impose a duty to retreat before standing one's ground (CALCRIM 505), although tactical retreat is often the safer choice. Options (a), (c), (d) misstate the law.

Law Reference: Cal. Penal Code §693

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