New York legal term
Deadly physical force in New York Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New York legislative session
In New York criminal law, “Deadly physical force” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New York criminal code.
What does “Deadly physical force” mean in New York criminal law?
"Deadly physical force" means physical force which, under the circumstances in which it is used, is readily capable of causing death or other serious physical injury. 12. (N.Y. Penal Law § 10.00)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.