Self-Defense and Deadly Force

Stand-your-ground laws, the duty to retreat, and when the use of deadly force is lawful.

3:18

Brief

What are stand your ground laws?

Stand-your-ground removes one narrow duty to retreat, but force must still be necessary and proportionate.

2:34

Brief

What is the duty to retreat?

No retreat for non-deadly force or at home: when the law requires you to walk away before using deadly force.

5:00

Brief

Forfeiting the Right to Self-Defense

Initial aggressors, provocateurs, and how you can lose, and sometimes regain, the right to defend yourself.

5:08

Brief

When can police use deadly force?

The Fourth Amendment limits on police deadly force under Tennessee v. Garner, and why many states go further.