Vermont § 2305 - Justifiable homicide
Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 2305 — Justifiable homicide, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2305. Justifiable homicide
- (a) If a person kills or wounds another under any of the circumstances enumerated below,
the person shall be guiltless: (1) in the just and necessary defense of the person’s own life or the life of any other
person; (2) if the person reasonably believed that the person, or any other person, was in imminent
peril and that it was necessary to repel that peril with deadly force in the forceful
or violent suppression of a person attempting to commit murder, sexual assault, aggravated
sexual assault, burglary, or robbery; or (3) in the case of a law enforcement officer as defined in 20 V.S.A. § 2351(a) using force in compliance with 20 V.S.A. § 2368(b)(1)–(2) and (5) or deadly force in compliance with 20 V.S.A. § 2368(c)(1)–(4) and (6). (b) This section shall not be construed to limit or infringe upon defenses granted at
common law. (Amended 1983, No. 23, § 2; 2019, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. July 1, 2021; 2021, No. 27, § 4, eff. Oct. 1, 2021; 2021, No. 95 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. April 21, 2022.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 2305
What does Vermont Statutes Online § 2305 cover?
Section 2305 ("Justifiable homicide") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. 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 Vermont § 2305?
A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 2305" (Vermont). 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 Vermont law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.
How does Vermont § 2305 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont 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 Vermont.