stand-your-ground laws
Self-defense without fleeing
Stand-your-ground laws are statutes permitting individuals to use deadly force in self-defense without first attempting to retreat, provided they reasonably believe they face imminent death or serious bodily harm.
These laws contrast with traditional "duty to retreat" doctrines.
They gained national attention after the 2012 Trayvon Martin shooting in Florida.
Critics argue the laws encourage lethal escalation; supporters maintain they protect lawful self-defense.
- shootingDischarging a weapon
- self-defenseProtecting oneself from harm
- affirmative defenseDefendant's excuse admitting act
- firearmProjectile weapon using explosives
- homicidesKillings of humans
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