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TCA 39-11-621

Use of deadly force by private citizen

PENDINGUnknown

What does this charge mean?

A private citizen making a lawful arrest can use reasonable force if the person resists or flees, but cannot use deadly force unless the situation would also justify self-defense or defense of another person under the self-defense statutes.

Penalty Details

ClassificationUnknown
Penalty SummaryClassification not specified
A private citizen, in making an arrest authorized by law, may use force reasonably necessary to accomplish the arrest of an individual who flees or resists the arrest; provided, that a private citizen cannot use or threaten to use deadly force except to the extent authorized under self-defense or defense of third person statutes, §§ 39-11-611 and 39-11-612.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

PENDING
TCA Section39-11-621