Stand Your Ground in Utah
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Utah allows force without retreat duty when reasonably necessary to prevent death, serious bodily injury, or felony commission.
How Utah treats Stand Your Ground
Utah Code § 76-2-402 permits use of force, including deadly force, without a duty to retreat when a person reasonably believes such force is necessary to prevent death, serious bodily injury, or the commission of a felony. The law applies in any location where the person has a legal right to be. Utah also provides civil immunity for justified defensive force under § 76-2-408.
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 Utah.