Stand Your Ground in Kansas
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Kansas allows force without retreat duty in any place you have a legal right to be.
How Kansas treats Stand Your Ground
Kansas recognizes a stand-your-ground right under Kansas Statutes Annotated § 21-5222, permitting use of force without a duty to retreat when facing an imminent threat. You may use deadly force if you reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death, serious bodily harm, or commission of a forcible felony. The law applies in your home, vehicle, and any place you have a legal right to occupy.
The general definition of Stand Your Ground
A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.
Stand your ground laws permit a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves against a threat without first trying to escape or avoid the danger. These laws eliminate the traditional legal duty to retreat before using force. They apply in places where a person has a legal right to be, such as their home, workplace, or public spaces. Stand your ground laws are controversial because they expand when people can legally use deadly force, and they vary significantly by state.
Read the full Stand Your Ground 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 Kansas.