Rhode Island does not have a “stand your ground” law. Instead, it follows the traditional legal principle known as “duty to retreat” before resorting to deadly force in self-defense situations outside the home.
This means that if you are confronted with a threat in a public place, you are generally required by law to attempt to retreat or avoid the confrontation if you can do so safely, before using deadly force to defend yourself.
Key Features of Rhode Island’s Self-Defense Laws
- Right to Self-Defense: You may use physical force to defend yourself or another person whenever you reasonably believe that you or someone else is in imminent danger of bodily harm.
- Duty to Retreat: Outside of your home, you must attempt to retreat from a dangerous situation if it is safe to do so before using deadly force.
- Castle Doctrine: Inside your home (or certain other buildings), you are not required to retreat before using force, including deadly force, to defend yourself against an intruder. This is known as the Castle Doctrine.
- Scope: The Castle Doctrine in Rhode Island applies not only to homes but also to other buildings, ships, railroad cars, and trailers if someone is breaking in with intent to commit a crime.
- Exceptions: If you are attacked by someone who also lives in the home, you are generally required to attempt retreat before using lethal force.
Stand Your Ground vs. Duty to Retreat
FeatureStand Your Ground Law (not in RI)Rhode Island: Duty to Retreat
Duty to retreatNo duty to retreatMust retreat if safe to do so…