Stand Your Ground States 2026

States with Stand Your Ground Laws

Stand your ground laws remove the legal duty to retreat before using force in self-defense. In these states, individuals may use force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent harm, even in public spaces.

States in this category include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. While broadly similar, the specific application of these laws can vary by state.

States with Castle Doctrine (Duty to Retreat in Public)

Some states follow the castle doctrine, which allows individuals to use force in self-defense within their home (and sometimes their vehicle), but still requires a duty to retreat in public settings when safely possible.

States in this category include California, Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. In these states, self-defense protections are strong in private spaces but more limited in public environments.

States with Duty to Retreat

In duty-to-retreat states, individuals are generally required to avoid using force if they can safely retreat from a threatening situation. The use of force is typically permitted only when retreat is not a safe or reasonable option.

States in this category include Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. These laws emphasize de-escalation and avoidance before resorting to self-defense.