In forceUpdated to 4 Jul 2023Current version · Updated to 4 Jul 2023
Penal Code · Updated to 4 Jul 2023 · Chapter IV · General Exceptions
79. Act done by a person justified, or by mistake of fact believing himself justified by law
Feedback & supportNothing is an offence which is done by any person who is justified by law, or who by reason of a mistake of fact and not by reason of a mistake of law in good faith believes himself to be justified by law, in doing it.
A sees Z commit what appears to A to be a murder. A, in the exercise, to the best of his judgment exerted in good faith, of the power which the law gives to all persons of apprehending murderers in the act, seizes Z, in order to bring Z before the proper authorities. A has committed no offence, though it may turn out that Z was acting in self-defence.