{"data":{"id":"us-ky/krs-503.030","jurisdiction":"us-ky","citation":"KRS 503.030","heading":"Choice of evils.","body":"(1) Unless inconsistent with the ensuing sections of this code defining justifiable use of\nphysical force or with some other provisions of law, conduct which would\notherwise constitute an offense is justifiable when the defendant believes it to be\nnecessary to  avoid an imminent public or private injury greater than the injury\nwhich is sought to be prevented by the statute defining the offense charged, except\nthat no justification can exist under this section for an intentional homicide.\n(2) When the defendant believes that conduct which would otherwise constitute an\noffense is necessary for the purpose described in subsection (1), but is wanton or\nreckless in having such belief, or when the defendant is wanton or reckless in\nbringing about a situation requiring  the conduct described in subsection (1), the\njustification afforded by this section is unavailable in a prosecution for any offense\nfor which wantonness or recklessness, as the case may be, suffices to establish\nculpability.","path":["KRS Chapter 503"],"source_url":"https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=19667","current_through":"Includes enactments through the 2026 Regular Session","vintage":"09/05/2026","retrieved_at":"2026-09-05T21:00:00Z","sha256":"0a124a8d291b07f47714089c7af16b1c29616aba90cc4ffb669879ce75027338","source_id":"us-ky","stale":false,"prev":"us-ky/krs-503.020","next":"us-ky/krs-503.040"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}