Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions – Criminal
Chapter 24-25.00 DEFENSES

24-25.09 Initial Aggressor’s Use Of Force

A person who initially provokes the use of force against himself is justified in the use of force only if

[1] the force used against him is so great that he reasonably believes he is in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm, and he has exhausted every reasonable means to escape the danger other than the use of force which is likely to cause death or great bodily harm to the other person.

[or]

[2] in good faith, he withdraws from physical contact with the other person and indicates clearly to the other person that he desires to withdraw and terminate the use of force, but the other person continues or resumes the use of force.

 

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