Peterson: Self-Defense Castle Doctrine

Peterson Self-Defense

  • -There must be no other alternative before taking life is justifiable or excusable.
  • -There must be real or apparent threat of death or serious bodily harm, and
  • -this response was necessary to save himself therefrom.
  • –Not generally applicable when defendant provokes or is the aggressor.
  • Force limited: not entitled to any greater force than he needs.
  • Common law: must retreat to the wall.
  • Castle doctrine: no duty to retreat from your own home, and extended to curtilage by some courts