THE CASTLE DOCTRINE: MASSACHUSETTS FOCUS

• John McAdam, Ph.D.

• KNOW THE LAW THE CASTLE DOCTRINE

•  MASSACHUSETTS LAW

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• And Defensible Property

• ·      Highly Defensible Property

• ·      Least Defensible Property

• ·      Recovery of Property and

• ·      Connection with Law of Self-Defense

A home is a person’s castle, and that castle is considered property.  Also, the concept of a man’s home as his castle is an ancient concept that harkens back to the days of Rome and is passed onto us through British Common Law.  While the CASTLE DOCTRINE is a widely accepted law, it is often mis-understood by many, including those you would think know the law.  The CASTLE DOCTRINE law is more restrictive in the use of deadly force than one might imagine.  This is particularly the case in Massachusetts. While one always has the right to defend oneself, the specific requirements of legal self-defense whether outside of one’s home or inside one’s castle are critical legally.  One must always remember that the courts expect you to KNOW THE LAW.