13-404. Justification; self-defense


A. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, a person is justified in
threatening or using physical force against another when and to the extent a reasonable
person would believe that physical force is immediately necessary to protect himself
against the other's use or attempted use of unlawful physical force.


B. The threat or use of physical force against another is not justified:


1. In response to verbal provocation alone; or


2. To resist an arrest that the person knows or should know is being made by a
peace officer or by a person acting in a peace officer's presence and at his direction,
whether the arrest is lawful or unlawful, unless the physical force used by the peace
officer exceeds that allowed by law; or


3. If the person provoked the other's use or attempted use of unlawful physical
force, unless:


(a) The person withdraws from the encounter or clearly communicates to the other
his intent to do so reasonably believing he cannot safely withdraw from the encounter;
and


(b) The other nevertheless continues or attempts to use unlawful physical force
against the person.