COLJI-Crim. H:13

The evidence presented in this case has raised the question of self-defense with respect to [insert name(s) of offense(s)].

A person is justified in using physical force upon another person

without first retreating in order to defend himself [herself] [a third person]

from what he [she] reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of

unlawful physical force by that other person, and he [she] may use a

degree of force which he [she] reasonably believes to be necessary for that

purpose.

However, a person is not justified in using physical force if:

[with intent to cause bodily injury or death to another person, he

[she] provokes the use of unlawful physical force by that other

person.]

[he [she] is the initial aggressor; except that his [her] use of physical

force upon another person under the circumstances is justifiable if he

[she] withdraws from the encounter and effectively communicates to

the other person his [her] intent to do so, but the other person

nevertheless continues or threatens the use of unlawful physical

force.]

[the physical force involved is the product of an unauthorized

combat by agreement.]

[the use of physical force against another is based on the discovery of,

knowledge about, or potential disclosure of the victim’s actual or

perceived gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual

orientation, including but not limited to under circumstances in

which the victim makes an unwanted nonforcible romantic or sexual

advance toward the person.]

You have been instructed that the prosecution has the burden of

proving beyond a reasonable doubt all of the elements of [insert name(s) of

offense(s)], including that the defendant acted [recklessly] [with extreme

indifference] [in a criminally negligent manner].

You are further instructed that, with respect to [insert name(s) of

offense(s)], the prosecution does not have an additional burden to disprove

self-defense. You are instructed, though, that a person does not act

[recklessly] [with extreme indifference] [in a criminally negligent manner]

if his [her] conduct is legally justified as set forth above.