Self-Defense Laws in Alaska

Stand your ground for crimes occurring after September 18, 2013. A defendant may not use deadly force in self-defense if the defendant knows that, with complete personal safety and with complete safety as to others being defended, the defendant can avoid the necessity of using deadly force by leaving the area of the encounter; however, there is no duty to leave the area if the defendant is in any other place where the defendant has a right to be (in addition to the home, workplace and other listed situations).

A person justified in using deadly force in self-defense (against imminent death, serious physical injury, kidnapping, first- or second-degree sexual assault, first-degree sexual abuse of a minor, or robbery in any degree) has no duty to leave the area if he or she is on premises that he or she owns or leases, where he or she resides temporarily or permanently, or as a guest or express or implied agent of the owner, lessor or resident; is in a building where he or she works in the ordinary course of employment; or is protecting a child or a member of his or her household. Peace officers and persons assisting them in an arrest or preventing escape also have no duty to retreat. Unless the state proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant did not act in self-defense, the jury must find the defendant not guilty.