Penal Code · s 98

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s 98Right of private defence against act of person of unsound mind etc.

When an act, which would otherwise be a certain offence is not that offence, by reason of the youth, the want of maturity of understanding, the unsoundness of mind. or the intoxication of the person doing that act, or by reason of any misconception on the part of that person, every person has the same right of private defence against that act which he would have if the act were that offence.

(a)

Z, under the influence of madness, attempts to kill A. Z is guilty of no offence; but A has the same right of private defence which he would have if Z were sane.

(b)

A enters by night a house which he is legally entitled to enter. Z, in good faith, taking A for a house-breaker, attacks A. Here, Z, by attacking A under this misconception, commits no offence; but A has the same right to private defence against Z, which he would have if Z were not acting under this misconception.