For example, if someone was confronted by an armed robber, states without those laws would require a person to show they tried to leave, and that the robber continued after the person forcefully, otherwise that person might also be open to prosecution for the force they used in return. In areas without “Stand Your Ground” laws, a defendant might have to show they attempted to escape or flee a dangerous situation prior to using force for a valid self-defense argument. “Stand Your Ground” laws are those that affirm that a defendant has no legal “duty to retreat” or responsibility to attempt to leave prior to using necessary force.

Tennessee, for example, has sets of laws that fit in with “Stand Your Ground” and “Castle” doctrines. Colorado has a law nicknamed the “Make My Day” law, referencing the famous Clint Eastwood line. You’ll notice that the names given to these doctrines and nicknames given to the specific laws reference the ethical issue they’re dealing with. But where, when, why, and how the force should be used is something that is still hotly debated. Generally, all states will require an accused to offer proof that someone was using serious and potentially deadly force against them or another, and the force used by the accused was necessary in attempting to stop the assailant. When researching legal principles like self-defense, you’ll often come across different doctrines, broad theories concerning the ethical issues raised when attempting to define how or when someone ought to be able to defend themselves. And even when states might recognize the same general principles, they still have their own unique code of laws and specific elements necessary to qualify for a self-defense argument. Self-defense as a general defense against prosecution varies widely from state to state.

Defend your castle rules