21-3216. Private person's use of force in making arrest.

21-3216

Chapter 21.--CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS
PART I.--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 32.--PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY

      21-3216.   Private person's use of force in making arrest.(1) A private person who makes, or assists another private person inmaking a lawful arrest is justified in the use of any force which he wouldbe justified in using if he were summoned or directed by a law enforcementofficer to make such arrest, except that he is justified in the use offorce likely to cause death or great bodily harm only when he reasonablybelieves that such force is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harmto himself or another.

      (2)   A private person who is summoned or directed by a law enforcementofficer to assist in making an arrest which is unlawful, is justified inthe use of any force which he would be justified in using if the arrestwere lawful.

      History:   L. 1969, ch. 180, § 21-3216; July 1, 1970.