Castle Doctrine

Castle Doctrine is similar to “stand your ground,” but is typically limited to real property, including a person’s home, property and, in some states, cars or workplaces. The concept is that an individual has a right to be safe and secure within his or her own home or “castle” and should not have to retreat from his or her home in order to be safe. Depending on the state, an individual may have the right to protect himself or herself, other people, and his or her property by force — in some instances even employing deadly force against intruders without retreating.

States with limited castle law or case law (judicial opinions that interpret laws) giving citizens the right to protect their homes using force:

• California
• Maryland (case law)
• New Mexico (case law)
• Oregon (case law)
• Vermont (case law)