Oregon — State Statute

Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 161 § 161.215 — Limitations on use of physical force in defense of a person

Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 161 ·
Oregon Code § 161.215 · Enacted · Last updated March 01, 2026
Statute Text
Limitations on use of physical force in defense of a person. (1) Notwithstanding ORS 161.209, a person is not justified in using physical force upon another person if: (a) With intent to cause physical injury or death to another person, the person provokes the use of unlawful physical force by that person. (b) The person is the initial aggressor, except that the use of physical force upon another person under such circumstances is justifiable if the person withdraws from the encounter and effectively communicates to the other person the intent to do so, but the latter nevertheless continues or threatens to continue the use of unlawful physical force. (c) The physical force involved is the product of a combat by agreement not specifically authorized by law. (d) The person would not have used physical force but for the discovery of the other person’s actual or perceived gender, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation. (2) As used in this section, “gender identity” has the meaning given that term in ORS 166.155. [1971 c.743 §24; 2021 c.84 §2]
Plain English Explanation
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