What is the Castle Doctrine?

The Castle Doctrine is a law that originated in English common law and was later adopted and modified as a legal protection in the United States. In New Mexico, the castle doctrine states that a person has the right to use physical force, including deadly force, to defend their home, property, or family against a violent criminal attack without fear of criminal prosecution. This law allows a resident to “stand their ground” and use as much force as necessary, including lethal force if the person reasonably perceives that they or someone else is in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm. This means that a person has the right to protect themselves and their property without having to retreat or flee from the violent situation. This castle doctrine law is important because it provides protection to a New Mexico resident and their family and property in cases of violent criminal attack. It allows a person to use deadly force if necessary to protect themselves and their home and property if they feel threatened, and shields them from legal consequences so long as the use of force was reasonable and necessary in the given situation. This law serves to protect innocent New Mexico citizens and their loved ones from violent criminals.

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What is the Castle Doctrine?

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