Duty to Retreat

The "Duty to Retreat" is a legal principle in some jurisdictions requiring individuals to first try to avoid using force, including deadly force, by retreating from a threatening situation if it is safe to do so, before resorting to self-defense. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding violence when possible. However, this duty varies depending on local laws and circumstances; in some places, it applies only within certain settings or to specific types of encounters. The goal is to encourage de-escalation and minimize harm whenever feasible.