HB 2559
Initials NM Page 1 Caucus & COW
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-seventh Legislature
First Regular Session
House: JUD DP 9-0-0-0
HB 2559: justification; criminal offenses
Sponsor: Representative Contreras L, LD 22
Caucus & COW
Overview
Clarifies that the justification defense applies to all criminal offences, not only offences in the
Criminal Code.
History
A.R.S. Title 13, Chapter 4 outlines the justification defense in Arizona law. The justification
defense allows individuals to use physical or deadly force in cases of:
1) self defense;
2) defense of a third person; and
3) defense of premises and property under certain circumstances.
A.R.S. § 13-102 states that, unless otherwise provided, the criminal code governs the
construction of, and punishment for, any offence defined outside of Title 13. Thus, the general
principles and rules of construction relating to crimes and penalties that are included in the
criminal code are also applicable to criminal statutes codified in other titles (e.g.
transportation-related crimes in Title 28, such as DUI or reckless driving).
Provisions
1. Asserts that the justification defense applies to all criminal offences, not only offences in
A.R.S. Title 13 (Criminal Code). (Sec. 1)
2. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note