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Illinois Compiled Statutes

720 ILCS 5/7-3 (2026)

Use of force in defense of other property

✓ current as of May 2026
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(720 ILCS 5/7-3) (from Ch. 38, par. 7-3)
    Sec. 7-3. Use of force in defense of other property.
    (a) A person is justified in the use of force against another when and to the extent that he reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to prevent or terminate such other's trespass on or other tortious or criminal interference with either real property (other than a dwelling) or personal property, lawfully in his possession or in the possession of another who is a member of his immediate family or household or of a person whose property he has a legal duty to protect. However, he is justified in the use of force which is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm only if he reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.
    (b) In no case shall any act involving the use of force justified under this Section give rise to any claim or liability brought by or on behalf of any person acting within the definition of "aggressor" set forth in Section 7-4 of this Article, or the estate, spouse, or other family member of such a person, against the person or estate of the person using such justified force, unless the use of force involves willful or wanton misconduct.
(Source: P.A. 93-832, eff. 7-28-04.)

    
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 8 cases (3 in the last 5 years), 2000–2025 · leading case: William Cefalu & Tyrone Cefalu, Plaintiffs-Appellants/cross-Appellees v. Vill. of Elk Grove, Defendants-Appellees/cross-Appellants, 211 F.3d 416 (7th Cir. 2000).
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William Cefalu & Tyrone Cefalu, Plaintiffs-Appellants/cross-Appellees v. Vill. of Elk Grove, Defendants-Appellees/cross-Appellants, 211 F.3d 416 (7th Cir. 2000). “720 ILCS 5/7-3 (emphasis ours). The jury, examining the facts that confronted Perkins through the eyes of a reasonable police officer, might have determined that it was unreasonable for Tyrone to think it necessary to slam a door shut on Perkins’ hand.”
People v. Bausch, 2019 IL App (3d) 170001 (Ill. App. Ct. 2019). “¶ 25 We find that, when viewed in the light most favorable to the State, the trial evidence established beyond a reasonable doubt that defendant’s use of force against Jovanna was not justified. Even assuming that the boat was solely defendant’s property, any belief that…”
People v. Bausch, 2019 IL App (3d) 170001 (Ill. App. Ct. 2019). “Specifically, defendant argues that the State failed to disprove that defendant acted in defense of his property pursuant to section 7-3(a) of the Code ( 720 ILCS 5/7-3(a) (West 2016) ). ¶ 25 We find that, when viewed in the light most favorable to the State, the trial evidence…”
People v. Griglione, 2020 IL App (3d) 170648-U (Ill. App. Ct. 2020). “” 720 ILCS 5/7-3(a) (West 2016). Defense of property is an affirmative defense, and defendant bears the burden to prove this defense at trial.”
People v. Marshall, 2021 IL App (3d) 190494-U (Ill. App. Ct. 2021). “720 ILCS 5/7-3(a) (West 2018). ¶ 18 Here, as noted above, defendant’s own witness, Mosley, testified that Corbett was simply pulling on the door handle, trying to open the door.”
People v. Jones, 2024 IL App (3d) 230118-U (Ill. App. Ct. 2024). “” 720 ILCS 5/7-3(a) (West 2022). The evidence, including defendant’s own testimony, establishes that Kozuch was attempting to give defendant his backpack.”
People v. Jackson, 2025 IL App (1st) 232356-U (Ill. App. Ct. 2025). “” 720 ILCS 5/7-3(a) (West 2022). “A person is justified in the use of force against another when and to the extent that he reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself or another against such other’s imminent use of unlawful force.”
Cefalu, William v. Vill. Elk Grove (7th Cir. 2000). “720 ILCS 5/7-3 (emphasis ours). The jury, examining the facts that confronted Perkins through the eyes of a reasonable police officer, might have determined that it was unreasonable for Tyrone to think it necessary to slam a door shut on Perkins’ hand.”
— 720 ILCS 5/7-3(a) — 6 cases
People v. Bausch, 2019 IL App (3d) 170001 (Ill. App. Ct. 2019). “¶ 25 We find that, when viewed in the light most favorable to the State, the trial evidence established beyond a reasonable doubt that defendant’s use of force against Jovanna was not justified. Even assuming that the boat was solely defendant’s property, any belief that…”
People v. Bausch, 2019 IL App (3d) 170001 (Ill. App. Ct. 2019). “Specifically, defendant argues that the State failed to disprove that defendant acted in defense of his property pursuant to section 7-3(a) of the Code ( 720 ILCS 5/7-3(a) (West 2016) ). ¶ 25 We find that, when viewed in the light most favorable to the State, the trial evidence…”
People v. Griglione, 2020 IL App (3d) 170648-U (Ill. App. Ct. 2020). “” 720 ILCS 5/7-3(a) (West 2016). Defense of property is an affirmative defense, and defendant bears the burden to prove this defense at trial.”
People v. Marshall, 2021 IL App (3d) 190494-U (Ill. App. Ct. 2021). “720 ILCS 5/7-3(a) (West 2018). ¶ 18 Here, as noted above, defendant’s own witness, Mosley, testified that Corbett was simply pulling on the door handle, trying to open the door.”
People v. Jones, 2024 IL App (3d) 230118-U (Ill. App. Ct. 2024). “” 720 ILCS 5/7-3(a) (West 2022). The evidence, including defendant’s own testimony, establishes that Kozuch was attempting to give defendant his backpack.”
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