Castle Doctrine in Delaware
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Delaware permits force in your home without retreat, but the intruder must be unlawful and the threat imminent.
How Delaware treats Castle Doctrine
Delaware law allows you to use force, including deadly force, to defend yourself and others in your home against unlawful intruders without a duty to retreat. The intruder must be entering or have entered your dwelling unlawfully, and you must reasonably believe force is necessary to prevent harm or a felony. Delaware extends this protection to vehicles and workplaces where you have a legal right to be.
The general definition of Castle Doctrine
A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.
The castle doctrine is a legal principle that treats a person's home as a safe place where they have the right to defend themselves and their family with force, including deadly force, without any duty to retreat. The doctrine applies specifically to your own home and sometimes extends to your vehicle or workplace. It's based on the idea that your home is your private sanctuary where you should feel secure. The castle doctrine is narrower than stand your ground laws because it applies only to your own property, not public spaces.
Read the full Castle Doctrine entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Delaware.