Stand Your Ground in Mississippi
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Mississippi permits stand-your-ground self-defense anywhere you have a legal right to be without a duty to retreat.
How Mississippi treats Stand Your Ground
Mississippi recognizes broad stand-your-ground protections. You have no duty to retreat and may use force, including deadly force, to defend yourself when you reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death, serious bodily harm, or certain felonies. This right applies in any place where you have a legal right to be, including public spaces. Mississippi also provides civil immunity from lawsuits for justified use of force in self-defense.
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 Mississippi.