Stand Your Ground in Minnesota
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Minnesota requires you to attempt retreat before using deadly force, except in your own home or occupied vehicle.
How Minnesota treats Stand Your Ground
Minnesota does not have a full stand-your-ground law. You must retreat if you can do so safely before using deadly force in public places. However, you have no duty to retreat when in your own dwelling or an occupied vehicle where you have a legal right to be. The state permits reasonable self-defense force when retreat is impossible or unsafe, but the retreat requirement applies in most situations outside your home.
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 Minnesota.