# Idaho Code § 19-202A: 19-202A DEFENSE OF SELF, OTHERS AND CERTAIN PLACES

> Idaho · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T19_C2_S19-202A

## Section

- **Citation:** Idaho Code § 19-202A
- **Heading:** 19-202A DEFENSE OF SELF, OTHERS AND CERTAIN PLACES
- **Jurisdiction:** Idaho
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Idaho Code / Title 19 / Chapter 2 / Section 19-202A

## Text

19-202A. defense of self, others and certain places. (1) No person in this state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting himself or his family by reasonable means necessary, or when coming to the aid of another whom he reasonably believes to be in imminent danger of or the victim of aggravated assault, robbery, rape, murder or other heinous crime.

(2) The defense of self or of another does not require a person to wait until he or she ascertains whether the danger is apparent or real. A person confronted with such danger has a clear right to act upon appearances such as would influence the action of a reasonable person.

(3) In the exercise of the right of self-defense or defense of another, a person need not retreat from any place that person has a right to be. A person may stand his ground and defend himself or another person by the use of all force and means which would appear to be necessary to a reasonable person in a similar situation and with similar knowledge without the benefit of hindsight. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to a person incarcerated in jail or prison facilities when interacting with jail or prison staff who are acting in their official capacities.

(4) In any prosecution for the unlawful use of force, including deadly force, or the attempted or threatened use of force contrary to title 18, Idaho Code, the burden is on the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the use of force, attempted use of force or threat to use force was not justifiable.

(5) A person using force or deadly force in defense of a habitation, place of business or employment or occupied vehicle as defined in section 18-4009(3), Idaho Code, is presumed to have acted reasonably and had a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or serious bodily injury if the force is used against a person whose entry or attempted entry therein is unlawful and is made or attempted by use of force, or in a violent and tumultuous manner, or surreptitiously or by stealth, or for the purpose of committing a felony.

History:

[19-202A, added 1974, ch. 238, sec. 1, p. 1601; am. 2018, ch. 222, sec. 5, p. 502.]

## Nearby sections

- [Idaho Code § 19-201 19-201 LAWFUL RESISTANCE.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T19_C2_S19-201.md)
- [Idaho Code § 19-201A 19-201A LEGISLATIVE INTENT — CASTLE DOCTRINE AND STAND YOUR GROUND.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T19_C2_S19-201A.md)
- [Idaho Code § 19-202 19-202 RESISTANCE BY THREATENED PARTY.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T19_C2_S19-202.md)
- [Idaho Code § 19-202A 19-202A DEFENSE OF SELF, OTHERS AND CERTAIN PLACES.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T19_C2_S19-202A.md)
- [Idaho Code § 19-203 19-203 RESISTANCE BY OTHER PARTIES.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T19_C2_S19-203.md)
- [Idaho Code § 19-204 19-204 PREVENTION OF OFFENSES BY OFFICERS OF JUSTICE.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T19_C2_S19-204.md)
- [Idaho Code § 19-205 19-205 PREVENTION BY PERSONS ASSISTING OFFICERS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T19_C2_S19-205.md)
- [Idaho Code § 19-206 19-206 SECURITY TO KEEP PEACE — INFORMATION OF THREATENED OFFENSE.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T19_C2_S19-206.md)
- [Idaho Code § 19-207 19-207 EXAMINATION OF COMPLAINANT.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T19_C2_S19-207.md)
- [Idaho Code § 19-208 19-208 WARRANT OF ARREST.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T19_C2_S19-208.md)
- [Idaho Code § 19-209 19-209 HEARING OF CONTROVERTED CHARGE.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T19_C2_S19-209.md)
- [Idaho Code § 19-210 19-210 DISCHARGE OF ACCUSED.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T19_C2_S19-210.md)
- [Idaho Code § 19-211 19-211 SECURITY TO KEEP THE PEACE.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T19_C2_S19-211.md)
- [Idaho Code § 19-212 19-212 EFFECT OF GIVING OR REFUSING SECURITY.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T19_C2_S19-212.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T19_C2_S19-202A. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.