Colorado Code
Article 20 - Correctional Facilities
§ 17-20-122. Justification of Officer

If an inmate sentenced to any state correctional facility resists the authority of any officer or refuses to obey any officer's lawful commands, it is the duty of such officer immediately to enforce obedience by the use of such weapons or other aid as may be effectual. If in so doing any inmate thus resisting is wounded or killed by such officer or such officer's assistants, such use of force is justified and any officer using such force shall be held guiltless; but such officer shall not be excused for using greater force than the emergency of the case demands.
Source: L. 77: Entire title R&RE, p. 922, § 10, effective August 1. L. 79: Entire section amended, p. 696, § 53, effective July 1. L. 93: Entire section amended, p. 51, § 9, effective July 1.
Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 27-20-122 as it existed prior to 1977.
Cross references: For the use of physical force by an authorized official of a jail, prison, or correctional institution, see § 18-1-703 (1)(b); for use of force in preventing escape from a detention facility, see § 18-1-707 (8).

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