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Execution of public duty - 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 504

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     § 504.  Execution of public duty.
        (a)  General rule.--Except as provided in subsection (b) of
     this section, conduct is justifiable when it is required or
     authorized by any law of the following:
            (1)  The law defining the duties or functions of a public
        officer or the assistance to be rendered to such officer in
        the performance of his duties.
            (2)  The law governing the execution of legal process.
            (3)  The judgment or order of a competent court or
        tribunal.
            (4)  The law governing the armed services or the lawful
        conduct of war.
            (5)  Any other provision of law imposing a public duty.
        (b)  Exceptions.--The other sections of this chapter apply
     to:
            (1)  The use of force upon or toward the person of
        another for any of the purposes dealt with in such sections.
            (2)  The use of deadly force for any purpose, unless the
        use of such force is otherwise expressly authorized by law or
        occurs in the lawful conduct of war.
        (c)  Requisite state of mind.--The justification afforded by
     subsection (a) of this section applies:
            (1)  when the actor believes his conduct to be required
        or authorized by the judgment or direction of a competent
        court or tribunal or in the lawful execution of legal
        process, notwithstanding lack of jurisdiction of the court or
        defect in the legal process; and
            (2)  when the actor believes his conduct to be required
        or authorized to assist a public officer in the performance
        of his duties, notwithstanding that the officer exceeded his
        legal authority.

Last modified: November 27, 2007