Castle Doctrine

law

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July 22, 2026

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The Castle Doctrine is a legal principle that allows a lawful occupant of a home to use self-defense, including deadly force, against an intruder if they reasonably believe they are in danger of death or serious bodily harm. This doctrine removes the duty to retreat from an intruder within one's home. It stems from the idea that a person's home is their castle and is inviolable. Many U.S. states have enacted "castle doctrine" laws, often building upon this common law principle. These laws can protect individuals from criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits when acting in self-defense against intruders.12

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stand-your-ground laws
…it built upon the so-called Castle Doctrine, which states that people have the right to defend themselves with deadly force when confronted by an intruder in their home (i.e., their “castle”). The roots of the Castle Doctrine are found in English common law, referenced as early as 1604. It originally…
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…it built upon the so-called Castle Doctrine, which states that people have the right to defend themselves with deadly force when confronted by an intruder in their home (i.e., their “castle”). The roots of the Castle Doctrine are found in English common law, referenced as early as 1604. It originally…
Read More