THE CASTLE DOCTRINE: MASSACHUSETTS FOCUS-ENGLISH COMMON LAW

• John McAdam, Ph.D.

• THE CASTLE DOCTRINE MASSACHUSETTS  FOCUS- ENGLISH COMMON LAW

A person’s home is their castle and thus the right to defend oneself in that dwelling.  But what is that dwelling, and how does the law define it?  While the Castle Doctrine releases us from the Duty To Retreat, the Stand Your Ground right is often mis-understood.  This misunderstanding is often due to the differences from one state to another.  For example, while a car or a place of business may be covered by the castle doctrine in another state this is not the case in Massachusetts.  Make no mistake about it, the Massachusetts laws are specific, and the criminal justice system will hold you accountable for any infraction of the law.

 KNOW THE LAW to protect yourself legally.