As a legal expert with a focus on self-defense laws, I can provide you with a detailed overview of the duty to retreat laws across the United States. The duty to retreat is a legal principle that requires a person to take reasonable steps to avoid a confrontation or to retreat from a dangerous situation before resorting to the use of force, particularly deadly force, in self-defense.

In the United States, self-defense laws vary significantly from state to state. Some states have adopted "stand your ground" laws, which eliminate the duty to retreat and allow individuals to use force, including deadly force, if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or others. However, other states maintain a duty to retreat, which can be statutory or based on common law.

States with a Duty to Retreat:


1. Minnesota - According to the Minnesota Supreme Court in *State v. Carothers*, a person must attempt to retreat if reasonably possible unless the situation is in defense of the home.[^1^]


2. Nebraska - The Nebraska Revised Statutes Section 28-1409 states that the use of deadly force is not justifiable if one can retreat with complete safety. However, there is no duty to retreat from one's dwelling or workplace unless one was the initial aggressor.[^1^]


3. New Jersey - The New Jersey Revised Statutes Section 2C:3-4 indicates that deadly force is not justifiable if one can retreat with complete safety, unless they are in their dwelling and not the initial aggressor.[^1^]


4. New York - The New York Penal Law Section 35.15 generally requires a person to retreat before using deadly physical force unless they are in their dwelling and not the initial aggressor.[^1^]


5. Rhode Island - The Rhode Island Supreme Court has ruled that there is generally a duty to retreat before using deadly force unless in the home when attacked by an intruder or trespasser.[^1^]


6. Massachusetts - Massachusetts is known for its duty to retreat laws, requiring individuals to retreat if they can do so safely before using force in self-defense.

7.
Connecticut - Connecticut also requires a duty to retreat before using force in self-defense, except in certain circumstances such as within one's dwelling.

8.
Delaware - Delaware law requires individuals to retreat if they can do so safely.

9.
Hawaii - Hawaii imposes a duty to retreat before using force in self-defense.

10.
Iowa - Iowa follows the castle doctrine, allowing the use of force within one's home without retreating, but requires retreat outside the home if possible.

1
1. Maine - Maine law requires individuals to attempt to retreat before using force in self-defense.

1
2. Maryland - Maryland mandates individuals to try to retreat if they can do so safely.

It is important to note that the duty to retreat does not apply in all situations. For example, most states agree that there is no duty to retreat when one is in their home, and some extend this to other places where one has a right to be, such as their workplace. Additionally, the duty to retreat may not apply if the person is a victim of certain serious crimes, such as kidnapping or sexual assault.

Understanding the specific laws in your state is crucial, as failing to retreat when required can result in criminal charges. It is always advisable to consult with a legal professional to understand the nuances of self-defense laws and the duty to retreat in your jurisdiction.

read more >>

The following states impose some form of duty to retreat before using deadly self defense:Arkansas.Connecticut.Delaware.Hawaii.Iowa.Maine.Maryland.Massachusetts.More items...read more >>