Ohio’s “Stand Your Ground” Law Takes Effect This Week

A new law regarding Ohio’s rules for the use of deadly force will go into effect on Tuesday.

The new “stand your ground” law eliminates a person’s “duty to retreat” before using deadly force in self-defense as long as they are legally allowed to be in that location and meet other standards.

The law states the person cannot have started the altercation, must be in fear for their life or injury, and articulate their reasons for resorting to using deadly force.

Opponents of the law say it is too vague and will encourage people to stay in confrontations when they might otherwise have walked away.

Supporters of the law say it will allow people caught in life-threatening situations to protect themselves.

The “stand your ground” legislation makes Ohio the 36th state that doesn’t require people to retreat before they can justifiably hurt or kill someone in self-defense.

Lawmakers previously removed the duty to retreat in a confrontation in one’s home or vehicle, known as “castle doctrine.”

The new law expands the castle doctrine concept to almost any place where a person is lawfully allowed to be.

Governor DeWine signed the bill into law in January.