Colorado § 17-20-123 - Insurrection - duty of citizens.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 17-20-123 — Insurrection - duty of citizens., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-20-123. Insurrection - duty of citizens.
It is the duty of all the officers and other citizens of the state, by every means in their power, to suppress any insurrection among the inmates sentenced to any correctional facilities under the supervision of the executive director and to prevent the escape or rescue of any such inmate therefrom, or from any other legal confinement, or from any person in whose legal custody such inmate may be. If, in so doing or in arresting any inmate who may have escaped, such officer or other person wounds or kills such inmate or other person aiding or assisting such inmate, such officer or other person shall be justified and held guiltless; but such officer or other person shall not be excused for using greater force than the emergency of the case demands.
Source: L. 77: Entire title R&RE, p. 922, § 10, effective August 1. L. 79: Entire section amended, p. 696, § 54, effective July 1. L. 93: Entire section amended, p. 51, § 10, effective July 1.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 27-20-123 as it existed prior to 1977.
Cross references: For authority of a peace officer to enlist the services of a private citizen and the liability of said person in performing such service, see § 16-3-202; for authority of sheriffs to command aid, see § 30-10-516.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 17-20-123
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 17-20-123 cover?
Section 17-20-123 ("Insurrection - duty of citizens.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 17-20-123?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 17-20-123" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 17-20-123 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.