ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature First Regular Session
	Senate: JUD DP 8-0-0-0 | 3^rd Read 29-0-1-0 House: CJR DP 9-0-0-0

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SB 1261: justification; criminal offense

Sponsor:  Senator Contreras, LD 19

House Engrossed

Overview

Expands justification as a defense against prosecution for any criminal offense.

History

Justification defenses describe conduct that would constitute an offense unless justified. A justification defense is not an affirmative defense, and the state must prove beyond reasonable doubt that a defendant did not act with justification (A.R.S. § 13-205).

Justification defenses can be used in any prosecution for an offense in the Criminal Code  (A.R.S. § 13-401). Examples of justification defenses include engaging in conduct required or authorized by law, in self-defense against unlawful physical force and under duress (A.R.S. §§ 13-402; 13-404; 13-412).

Provisions

1. Permits justification as a defense in prosecution for any criminal offense. (Sec. 1)

2. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)

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6.                   SB 1261

7. Initials LC/AF/PN  Page 0 House Engrossed

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