Castle Doctrine
/ˈkæsəl dɪˌkɹɪn/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal doctrine permitting a person to use reasonable force, including deadly force, to defend oneself against an intruder within one's home without a duty to retreat.
Under the castle doctrine, the homeowner was justified in using force against the burglar.
Related terms
Commentary
The term typically refers to laws varying by jurisdiction that remove the duty to retreat when attacked in one's dwelling, emphasizing the sanctity of the home in self-defense law.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.