Shoot First laws

Shoot First laws, also known as self-defense or stand-your-ground laws, allow individuals to use deadly force without first attempting to retreat when they believe they are in imminent danger of serious harm or death. These laws remove the duty to retreat in public spaces, meaning a person can legally defend themselves and potentially use lethal force if they feel threatened, even if retreating is possible. They aim to clarify when self-defense is justified, but their application can be complex and controversial, often impacting legal decisions and public safety debates.