{"code":"PEN","codeName":"Penal Code","section":"198","citation":"Pen. Code, § 198","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"PART 1. OF CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS [25. - 680.4.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1"},{"name":"TITLE 8. OF CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON [187. - 248.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1/title-8"},{"name":"CHAPTER 1. Homicide [187. - 199.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-1/title-8/chapter-1"}],"history":"Amended by Stats. 1987, Ch. 828, Sec. 8.","effective":null,"html":"<p>A bare fear of the commission of any of the offenses mentioned in subdivisions 2 and 3 of Section <a href=\"/pen/197\">197</a>, to prevent which homicide may be lawfully committed, is not sufficient to justify it. But the circumstances must be sufficient to excite the fears of a reasonable person, and the party killing must have acted under the influence of such fears alone.</p>","text":"A bare fear of the commission of any of the offenses mentioned in subdivisions 2 and 3 of Section 197, to prevent which homicide may be lawfully committed, is not sufficient to justify it. But the circumstances must be sufficient to excite the fears of a reasonable person, and the party killing must have acted under the influence of such fears alone.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/homicide-198","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}