standyourground

Stand-your-ground is a self-defense doctrine in several U.S. jurisdictions that allows a person to use force, including deadly force, without a duty to retreat when faced with a perceived imminent threat in a place where they have a right to be. The doctrine is codified in state statutes and varies in scope; it generally complements or replaces the traditional duty to retreat found in other jurisdictions.

Origin and model: The term is most associated with Florida, which enacted a Stand Your Ground law in 2005. Under such laws, if a person uses force in self-defense in accordance with the statute, they may be immune from criminal prosecution or from civil liability, subject to judicial review and proof of reasonableness.

Scope and requirements: Core elements typically include a reasonable belief of imminent threat and a determination that the force used is proportional to the threat. Some laws extend to public places; others carve out limits for certain locations or for unlawful aggressors. The home’s castle doctrine remains separate in many jurisdictions or interacts with stand-your-ground provisions in specific ways.

Impact and criticism: Supporters argue the laws remove unnecessary retreat and strengthen self-defense rights; critics worry they may increase gun violence or produce disparate outcomes. Empirical studies yield mixed results, with some suggesting higher firearm homicides in states with stand-your-ground laws, while others find little or no overall effect on crime.

Public attention and status: The concept drew national scrutiny during the 2012 Trayvon Martin case in Florida, where self-defense claims and the law’s application were widely debated. Since then, several states have enacted, amended, or repealed stand-your-ground provisions, reflecting ongoing policy debates about public safety, civil rights, and gun policy.