Crimes: homicide.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Public Safety
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
Assembly Bill 1333 modifies California’s homicide laws by narrowing the circumstances under which it is justifiable. Specifically, it removes the defense of a habitation or property, clarifies that using excessive force is not justifiable, and eliminates the justification for homicide when attempting to suppress a riot. The bill also adds conditions regarding initial aggression in mutual combat and emphasizes the need for an aggressor to genuinely attempt to stop a fight. This change creates a state-mandated local program.
Key provisions
- Eliminates the defense of a habitation or property in justifiable homicide cases.
- Clarifies that using more force than necessary is not justifiable.
- Removes the justification for homicide when suppressing a riot.
- Specifies conditions for initial aggression in mutual combat, including a good-faith attempt to stop fighting.
- Requires a retreat when safe, unless an intruder is present.
- Adds a requirement that the initial aggressor clearly communicated a desire to stop fighting.
Who is affected
- Criminal defendants
- Law enforcement agencies
- Defense attorneys
- Victims of crime
- The general public
Notable changes
- Reduces the scope of justifiable homicide defense.
- Adds stricter requirements for the use of force in self-defense.
Bill text
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Sponsors
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1 on record
Primary sponsor
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