What does Missouri’s "Castle Doctrine" allow individuals to do?

Missouri’s "Castle Doctrine" specifically allows individuals to use deadly force in self-defense when they are inside their home. This legal principle is grounded in the belief that individuals have a right to defend themselves against intruders or attackers within the sanctity of their own residence without the obligation to retreat. The doctrine recognizes a person's home as a place where they should feel secure and protected from aggression.

The law does not extend the same provisions for the use of deadly force in public spaces or require individuals to retreat from threats within their property, reinforcing the idea that one's home is a stronghold for self-defense. Additionally, while non-lethal force may be permissible in various situations, the "Castle Doctrine" specifically pertains to the use of deadly force in the context of protecting one’s home. Thus, this doctrine empowers individuals with the legal backing to confront threats when they arise within their own living space.