
Illinois Self-Defense Laws: Stand Your Ground & Castle Doctrine (2026)
Illinois has no stand-your-ground statute, but case law establishes no duty to retreat. Learn how 720 ILCS 5/7-1 and 5/7-2 govern self-defense and castle doctrine in Illinois.
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Illinois has no stand-your-ground statute, but case law establishes no duty to retreat. Learn how 720 ILCS 5/7-1 and 5/7-2 govern self-defense and castle doctrine in Illinois.

Indiana is a stand-your-ground state. IC 35-41-3-2 eliminates any duty to retreat. Learn Indiana castle doctrine, deadly force rules, and civil immunity (IC 34-30-31).

Hawaii is NOT a stand-your-ground state. HRS § 703-304(5)(b) requires retreat when safe to do so, with exceptions for your dwelling and place of work. No civil immunity. Updated 2026.

Georgia is a stand-your-ground state. Learn how O.C.G.A. 16-3-23.1 removes the duty to retreat and § 16-3-23 protects your home, vehicle, and business.

Delaware is a duty-to-retreat state. Under 11 Del. C. § 464(e), deadly force is only justified if retreat is impossible with complete safety. Learn about the castle doctrine exceptions for home and workplace.

Idaho is a stand-your-ground state under § 19-202A. Learn how the castle doctrine (§ 18-4009) covers homes, businesses, and vehicles, plus civil immunity under § 6-808.

Florida is the original stand-your-ground state. Learn how § 776.012 removes the duty to retreat, § 776.013 covers the castle doctrine and occupied vehicles, and the 2017 burden shift under § 776.032.

Alaska is a stand-your-ground state under AS 11.81.335(b)(7). Learn Alaska castle doctrine (home + workplace), civil immunity (AS 09.65.330), and when self-defense fails.

Connecticut is a duty-to-retreat state. C.G.S. § 53a-19 requires retreat before deadly force in public, with no-retreat exceptions inside a dwelling or workplace. No stand-your-ground law, no civil immunity.

Arkansas is a stand-your-ground state since Act 250 of 2021. Learn how § 5-2-607 eliminates duty to retreat and § 5-2-608 protects your home.

California has no stand-your-ground statute but imposes no duty to retreat under CALCRIM 505 and case law. Castle doctrine (PC 198.5) covers the home only. No civil immunity. Updated 2026.

Alabama is a stand-your-ground state with no duty to retreat anywhere you are lawfully present. Learn how Ala. Code 13A-3-23 defines castle doctrine, deadly-force justification, and criminal and civil immunity.