Maryland's Castle Doctrine


In Maryland deadly force is only legal when defending one's self from the immediate threat of serious injury or death. There is no duty to retreat inside one's home.

Statute

MPJI-Cr 5:01, 5:02, 5:02.01, 5:07

What is Castle Doctrine?

Castle Laws are laws that address the use of force when defending one's self inside their home, or on their property. Some states expand this to vehicles, and the person's place of work. Castle Laws generally include: the places where this law applies, the requirements fro use of deadly force, if there is a duty to retreat, the amount of force that maybe used in defending one's self or others. These vary widely from state to state.


Other Maryland firearm laws

Compare Castle Doctrine Nationwide