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Self-Defense Laws in Indiana

Whether Indiana has a duty to retreat or a stand your ground law, and how the castle doctrine applies at home.

Short answer: Indiana has a statutory stand-your-ground rule: a person "(1) is justified in using deadly force; and (2) does not have a duty to retreat; Ind. Code § 35-41-3-2(c), as quoted in Turner v. State, No. 24S-CR-147 (Ind. Mar. 12, 2025)

Stand your ground / duty to retreatIndiana has a statutory stand-your-ground rule: a person "(1) is justified in using deadly force; and (2) does not have a duty to retreat; if the person reasonably believes that that force is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury to the person or a third person or the commission of a forcible felony." The statute also says no person, employer or estate of a person shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind for protecting the person or a third person by reasonable means necessary.
Source: Ind. Code § 35-41-3-2(c), as quoted in Turner v. State, No. 24S-CR-147 (Ind. Mar. 12, 2025)
Castle doctrine (defending your home)A person is justified in using reasonable force, including deadly force, against any other person and does not have a duty to retreat if the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent or terminate the other person's unlawful entry of or attack on the person's dwelling, curtilage, or occupied motor vehicle.
Source: Ind. Code § 35-41-3-2(d), as described in English v. State, No. 25A-CR-1087 (Ind. Ct. App. Feb. 27, 2026) (mem.), n.3

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FAQ

Is Indiana a stand your ground state?
Indiana has a statutory stand-your-ground rule: a person "(1) is justified in using deadly force; and (2) does not have a duty to retreat; if the person reasonably believes that that force is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury to the person or a third person or the commission of a forcible felony." The statute also says no person, employer or estate of a person shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind for protecting the person or a third person by reasonable means necessary.
Does Indiana have a castle doctrine?
A person is justified in using reasonable force, including deadly force, against any other person and does not have a duty to retreat if the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent or terminate the other person's unlawful entry of or attack on the person's dwelling, curtilage, or occupied motor vehicle.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.