When Self-Defense Is Not Justified

According to TCA §39-11-611(e), threatening or using force against another person is not justified if:

• You consented to the exact force being used or attempted by the other person or…
• You provoked the other person’s use or attempted use of unlawful force unless you abandon, or make it clear that you are going to abandon, the encounter and the other person continues or attempts to use unlawful force against you or…
• You are resisting a halt at a roadblock, an arrest, a search, or a stop and frisk that you know is being made by a law enforcement officer unless:
  • The officer uses or attempts to use greater force than necessary and…
  • You reasonably believe the force is necessary to protect against the officer’s use or attempted use of greater force than necessary.