The Complexities of "Stand Your Ground" Laws and Deadly Force in Self-Defense

Recent shootings have reignited the debate over "stand your ground" and "castle doctrine" self-defense laws. These laws give a person the right to use lethal force outside of their home when they reasonably perceive a threat is present. At least 28 states and Puerto Rico have some form of a self-defense law that does not require a person to retreat from an attacker if they are in a place lawfully. The recent shootings highlight the complexity of the laws and how easily they can be misinterpreted.