AZ RAJI4th 4.04-1 − Non-Justification for Threat or Use of Physical Force
State: Arizona
Revised Arizona Jury Instruction (RAJI 4th)
AZ RAJI4th 4.04-1 − Non-Justification for Threat or Use of Physical Force
A defendant is not justified in using or threatening physical force against another:
[in response to verbal provocation alone.]
[to resist an arrest that the defendant knew or should have known was being made by a peace officer or by a person acting in a peace officer’s presence and at the peace officer’s direction, whether the arrest is lawful or unlawful, unless the physical force used by the peace officer exceeds that allowed by law.]
[if the defendant provoked the other person’s use or attempted use of unlawful physical force, unless:
- the defendant withdrew from the encounter or clearly communicated to the other person the intent to withdraw with the reasonable belief that the defendant could not safely withdraw; and
- the other person continued or attempted to use unlawful physical force against the defendant.]
The State has the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant did not act with such justification. If the State fails to carry this burden, then you must find the defendant not guilty of the charge.