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Simple English definitions for legal terms
no-retreat rule
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A quick definition of no-retreat rule:
The no-retreat rule is a law that says if someone is trying to hurt you really badly and you can't get away, you can use deadly force to protect yourself. Most places in America follow this rule. It's different from the retreat rule, which says you have to try to run away before you can use deadly force.
A more thorough explanation:
The no-retreat rule is a principle in criminal law that allows a victim of a deadly attack to use deadly force in self-defense if there is no other reasonable way to avoid harm from the attacker. This rule is adopted by most American jurisdictions.
If someone breaks into your home and threatens you with a weapon, you may use deadly force to protect yourself if you have no other way to escape or avoid harm. This is because the no-retreat rule allows you to defend yourself with deadly force when there is no other reasonable option.
Another example is if someone attacks you on the street and you are unable to run away or find help, you may use deadly force to defend yourself. This is because the no-retreat rule recognizes that in some situations, retreating or avoiding harm is not possible.
These examples illustrate how the no-retreat rule allows individuals to protect themselves when they are faced with a deadly threat and have no other reasonable option to avoid harm.