Minnesota does not have a “Stand Your Ground” law. Instead, the state follows a duty to retreat principle. This means that, outside your own home, you are legally required to attempt to avoid or escape a dangerous situation before resorting to force-even deadly force-in self-defense.
If you have a safe opportunity to retreat and do not take it, your claim of self-defense could be invalidated in court.
The Castle Doctrine Exception
There is an exception known as the Castle Doctrine: When you are inside your own home, you are not required to retreat before using force to protect yourself or others.
In this context, if you reasonably believe you are in imminent danger, you may use force-including deadly force-without first trying to escape.
However, the force used must still be proportional to the threat and immediately necessary to prevent harm.
Recent Legislative Efforts and Debates
In early 2025, Minnesota legislators considered a bill (HF13) that would have removed the duty to retreat and allowed people to use reasonable force in self-defense “regardless of whether a reasonable possibility of retreat to avoid the danger exists”.
Supporters argued this would clarify the law and protect those acting in self-defense, while opponents raised concerns about increased violence and public safety risks. The bill failed to pass in March 2025, so the duty to retreat remains the law in Minnesota.
Key Points of Minnesota Self-Defense Law
- Imminent Threat Required: You must reasonably believe you or someone else is in immediate danger.
- Proportional Force: The force used must match the level of threat.
- Duty to Retreat: Outside your home, you must attempt to avoid or escape the threat if safely possible.
- No Duty to Retreat at Home: The Castle Doctrine applies inside your dwelling.
- No Stand Your Ground Law: Minnesota law does not allow you to “stand your ground” in public places.
Summary Table: Minnesota vs. Stand Your Ground States
| Aspect | Minnesota (2025) | Stand Your Ground States |
|---|---|---|
| Duty to Retreat | Yes (except at home) | No |
| Castle Doctrine (at home) | Yes | Yes |
| Use of Deadly Force | Only if no safe retreat | If threatened, no retreat |
| Recent Legislation | Failed to pass in 2025 | Laws in effect |
Minnesota law requires you to retreat from danger if possible before using force in self-defense, except when you are inside your own home. The state does not have a Stand Your Ground law, and recent efforts to change this have not succeeded.
Sources:
- https://www.house.mn.gov/sessiondaily/Story/18532
- https://www.brockhunterlaw.com/blog/2025/march/charged-with-assault-in-anoka-understanding-self/
- https://kellerlawoffices.com/does-minnesota-have-stand-ground-law/
- https://www.house.mn.gov/sessiondaily/Story/18572