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Arkansas · Snapshot open-us-law v2026.08, retrieved 2026-09-14

Ark. Code Ann. § 5-2-608: Use of physical force in defense of premises

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Where this section sits in the code
  1. AR Code
  2. Title 5
  3. Chapter 2
  4. Subchapter 6

(a) A person in lawful possession or control of premises or a vehicle is justified in using nondeadly physical force upon another person when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes the use of nondeadly physical force is necessary to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission of a criminal trespass by the other person in or upon the premises or vehicle. (b) A person may use deadly physical force under the circumstances set forth in subsection (a) of this section if: (1) Use of deadly physical force is authorized by § 5-2-607 ; or (2) The person reasonably believes the use of deadly physical force is necessary to prevent the commission of arson or burglary by a trespasser. Acts 1975, No. 280, § 508; A.S.A. 1947, § 41-508.

(a) A person in lawful possession or control of premises or a vehicle is justified in using nondeadly physical force upon another person when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes the use of nondeadly physical force is necessary to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission of a criminal trespass by the other person in or upon the premises or vehicle.

(b) A person may use deadly physical force under the circumstances set forth in subsection (a) of this section if: (1) Use of deadly physical force is authorized by § 5-2-607 ; or (2) The person reasonably believes the use of deadly physical force is necessary to prevent the commission of arson or burglary by a trespasser.

(1) Use of deadly physical force is authorized by § 5-2-607 ; or

(2) The person reasonably believes the use of deadly physical force is necessary to prevent the commission of arson or burglary by a trespasser.

Collected 2026-09-14T18:32:41Z. Source file · JSON

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