Idaho § 18-4011 - Justifiable homicide by officer
Full text of Idaho Idaho Statutes § 18-4011 — Justifiable homicide by officer, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-4011. Justifiable homicide by officer
Homicide is justifiable when committed by public officers and those acting by their command in their aid and assistance, either:
1. In obedience to any judgment of a competent court; or
2. When reasonably necessary in overcoming actual resistance to the execution of some legal process, or in the discharge of any other legal duty including suppression of riot or keeping and preserving the peace. Use of deadly force shall not be justified in overcoming actual resistance unless the officer has probable cause to believe that the resistance poses a threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or to other persons; or
3. When reasonably necessary in preventing rescue or escape or in retaking inmates who have been rescued or have escaped from any jail, or when reasonably necessary in order to prevent the escape of any person charged with or suspected of having committed a felony, provided the officer has probable cause to believe that the inmate, or persons assisting his escape, or the person suspected of or charged with the commission of a felony poses a threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or other persons.
[18-4011, added 1972, ch. 336, sec. 1, p. 931; am. 1986, ch. 303, sec. 2, p. 755.]
Source: official Idaho text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho § 18-4011
What does Idaho Statutes § 18-4011 cover?
Section 18-4011 ("Justifiable homicide by officer") is part of the Idaho Statutes, the codified statutory law of Idaho. 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 Idaho § 18-4011?
A common citation format is "Idaho Statutes § 18-4011" (Idaho). 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 Idaho law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Idaho official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Idaho attorney.
How does Idaho § 18-4011 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Idaho 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 Idaho.