Self-Defense Laws in Vermont

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

Short answer: Under the justifiable homicide statute, a person who kills or wounds another is guiltless in the just and necessary defense of the person's own life or the life of another, or if the person reasonably believed that the person or another was in imminent peril and that it was necessary to… 13 V.S.A. § 2305

Castle doctrine (defending your home)	Under the justifiable homicide statute, a person who kills or wounds another is guiltless in the just and necessary defense of the person's own life or the life of another, or if the person reasonably believed that the person or another was in imminent peril and that it was necessary to repel that peril with deadly force when the other was attempting to commit murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, burglary, or robbery. The statute does not limit defenses granted at common law. Source: 13 V.S.A. § 2305

Castle doctrine (defending your home)

Under the justifiable homicide statute, a person who kills or wounds another is guiltless in the just and necessary defense of the person's own life or the life of another, or if the person reasonably believed that the person or another was in imminent peril and that it was necessary to repel that peril with deadly force when the other was attempting to commit murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, burglary, or robbery. The statute does not limit defenses granted at common law.

Source: 13 V.S.A. § 2305

More Vermont criminal law

FAQ

Does Vermont have a castle doctrine?

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.