All Comparison Tables
Castle Doctrine Laws
Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026
Compare castle doctrine and stand-your-ground laws across all 50 states, including duty to retreat rules and whether protections extend to vehicles and workplaces.
50 States3 data columnsLast updated: 2025-04-01
Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.
| State | Duty to Retreat (Home) | Extends to Vehicle | Extends to Workplace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No | Yes | Yes |
| Alaska | No | Yes | Yes |
| Arizona | No | Yes | Yes |
| Arkansas | No | Yes | No |
| California | No | No | No |
| Colorado | No | No | No |
| Connecticut | No | No | No |
| Delaware | No | No | No |
| Florida | No | Yes | Yes |
| Georgia | No | Yes | Yes |
| Hawaii | No | No | No |
| Idaho | No | Yes | Yes |
| Illinois | No | No | No |
| Indiana | No | Yes | Yes |
| Iowa | No | Yes | Yes |
| Kansas | No | Yes | Yes |
| Kentucky | No | Yes | Yes |
| Louisiana | No | Yes | Yes |
| Maine | No | No | No |
| Maryland | No | No | No |
| Massachusetts | No | No | No |
| Michigan | No | Yes | Yes |
| Minnesota | No | No | No |
| Mississippi | No | Yes | Yes |
| Missouri | No | Yes | Yes |
| Montana | No | Yes | Yes |
| Nebraska | No | Yes | No |
| Nevada | No | Yes | Yes |
| New Hampshire | No | Yes | Yes |
| New Jersey | No | No | No |
| New Mexico | No | No | No |
| New York | No | No | No |
| North Carolina | No | Yes | Yes |
| North Dakota | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ohio | No | Yes | No |
| Oklahoma | No | Yes | Yes |
| Oregon | No | No | No |
| Pennsylvania | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rhode Island | No | No | No |
| South Carolina | No | Yes | Yes |
| South Dakota | No | Yes | Yes |
| Tennessee | No | Yes | Yes |
| Texas | No | Yes | Yes |
| Utah | No | Yes | Yes |
| Vermont | No (common law) | No | No |
| Virginia | No | No | No |
| Washington | No | No | No |
| West Virginia | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wisconsin | No | Yes | No |
| Wyoming | No | Yes | Yes |
Self-defense laws vary significantly in their application. This table provides a general overview and does not constitute legal advice. Case law and specific circumstances heavily influence how these doctrines are applied.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.