South Dakota's Castle Doctrine

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"Homicide is justifiable if committed . . . while resisting . . . murder . . . or felony . . . in any dwelling house." (§ 22-16-34). South Dakota does not have a duty to retreat as long as the person is in a place where they have the right to be.

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What is Castle Doctrine?

Castle Laws are laws that address the use of force when defending one's self inside their home, or on their property. Some states expand this to vehicles, and the person's place of work. Castle Laws generally include: the places where this law applies, the requirements fro use of deadly force, if there is a duty to retreat, the amount of force that maybe used in defending one's self or others. These vary widely from state to state.

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Other South Dakota firearm laws

• South Dakota Permit to Purchase
• South Dakota Firearm Registration
• South Dakota Owner License
• South Dakota Open Carry
• South Dakota Concealed Carry
• South Dakota State Preemption of Local Restrictions
• South Dakota Magazine Capacity Restriction
• South Dakota Castle Doctrine
• South Dakota Stand Your Ground
• South Dakota Peaceable Journey
• South Dakota Assault Weapon Restrictions
• South Dakota NFA Weapon Restrictions

Compare Castle Doctrine Nationwide