The Facts About Stand Your Ground Laws - Critical Mas Ep. 07 with Massad Ayoob

One of the most widely misunderstood and mischaracterized elements in self-defense laws regarding the use of deadly force is the often controversial Stand Your Ground concept. While there are many states that have never had an explicit requirement to retreat from a potentially deadly threat before resorting to use of force, others have placed citizens in additional and unnecessary jeopardy by implicitly or selectively including the expectation of retreat in the prosecution of self-defense shootings. In contrast, other states have not only removed any retreat requirement from their legal code, but have explicitly enshrined the right to protect yourself or others into Stand Your Ground laws such as Florida Statute 776.012. In this episode, Mas discusses in detail the history of such laws and how they are applicable to the average citizen today.
Massad Ayoob Group: massadayoobgroup.com
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Critical Mas(s) with Massad Ayoob is a show that provides expert analysis over a wide range of contemporaneous topics related to civilian and law enforcement self defense, the use of force, and second amendment issues, provided by a renowned and established author with a career spanning decades in training law enforcement officers and the public at large, who is frequently called upon to provide expert witness testimony.
ABOUT MASSAD AYOOB:
Massad Ayoob has been handgun editor of GUNS magazine and law enforcement columnist for AMERICAN HANDGUNNER since the 1970s, and has published thousands of articles in gun magazines, martial arts publications, and law enforcement journals. He is the author of some twenty books on firearms, self-defense, and related topics, including “In the Gravest Extreme” and “Deadly Force,” widely considered to be authoritative texts on the topic of the use of lethal force.
The winner of the Outstanding American Handgunner of the Year Award in 1998, Mas has won several state and regional handgun shooting championships. Ayoob was the first person to earn the title of Five Gun Master in the International Defensive Pistol Association. He is the current President of the Second Amendment Foundation. He served 19 years as chair of the Firearms Committee of the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers, and several years as a member of the Advisory Board of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association. In addition to teaching for those groups, he has also taught
for the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors and the International Homicide Investigators seminars.
Mas has received judicial recognition as an expert witness for the courts in weapons and shooting cases since 1979, and served as a fully sworn and empowered, part time police officer for 43 years, mostly at supervisor rank. Ayoob founded the Lethal Force Institute in 1981 and served as its director until 2009, and now trains through Massad Ayoob Group. He has
appeared on CLE-TV delivering continuing legal education for attorneys, through the American Law Institute and American Bar Association, and has been retained to train attorneys to handle deadly force cases through the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network. Ayoob served for two
years as co-vice chair of the Forensic Evidence Committee of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He also appeared in each episode of Personal Defense TV (Sportsman’s Channel).

[@dknollRX7]

If you’re being assaulted, there should be no law requiring you to act in any manner before you chose to protect yourself!

[@makemyday9714]

100%

[@MrScott3060]

100% true but with todays Liberal Media and Politicians they will do anything to make you look like a mad dog killer.

[@robert334bl3]

i think showing restraint is necessary if you have the slightest chance of not having to go lethal just for the sake of life itself. depending on the situation of course. if its someone intoxicated with a knife staggering at you, you could probably just as much trip his ass . armed home invader: let them have it, too risky. pedophile: im sure you have an idea what anyone with a sense of humanity would do amd I've personally heard cops say theyd "probably" turn a blind eye to it

[@crazymike4894]

Not a lethal force. Sorry to say that. Yes you can defend yourself.

[@GunGoBang]

@@robert334bl3let them have it? Thats time and effort. Thats my very life. No.

[@ACGBLR]

Always a pleasure to have an education from Mr. Ayoob.

[@traceywalker2887]

100%!

[@johnathanross6519]

For education him and Paul Harrell are my go-tos.

[@reginalddentry7338]

Dear Sir I do not own a gun. Ut I do possess a crossbow ,Does that’d carry any similar firearm transfer over .

[@tomwinner5350]

Absolutely. Clearest and most sound voice on the internet.

[@easbreid9879]

Nobody should have to flee an attacker, especially in your own home. Glad i live in Florida

[@stephanie_beth]

You're lucky. Here in MN if we are able to safely leave the house we must do so, but I can't imagine being able to when a criminal breaks into our home especially at night. It's frustrating because no matter what gun laws govern a state, it seems law abiding citizens are punished for defending themselves while criminals are viewed as victims. Bizarro world.

[@lovepickingnc9313]

@@stephanie_beth right to have laws changed. If you're officials don't believe in changing them, vote them out. Grassroots efforts can get it done. Good luck!

[@jimweston8224]

@@lovepickingnc9313 just so everyone knows, I most certainly will stand my ground. I don’t back up.

[@percyfaith11]

@@jimweston8224 Glad you put that on record Jim. That will make the prosecutor's job easier. Bet you don't deescalate either. A real man packing heat so he doesn't have to take shit from anyone, that's the ideal. So if you're carrying and someone bumps shoulders with you, do you say "sorry, my bad" or do you say "watch where you're going pal"?

[@chestersnapdragonmcphistic579]

@@percyfaith11 that's too much character assumption from one comment

[@robertpagel8951]

Big win here in Arkansas, past couple years the wording of our state law said that just carring a firearm doesn't represent the unlaw intent of carring a weapon to committ a crime and it's been clarified that we are a Constitutional carry state and just this year we had the duty to retreat law recended. Now we all need to follow Texas and start recending all unconstitutional gun laws.

[@RickyJr46]

Billionaire anti-2A’ers with armed professional security teams.

[@BuckFoeJiden24]

Good for me but not for thee, they fear an armed society.

[@tomahawkm4687]

@@BuckFoeJiden24 I'm screenshotting your comment. It's perfect

[@rhinosauserous]

Or Alec Baldwin.....most outspoken anti gun celebrity that has shot and killed more people than 95% of legal gun owners. The literally definition of irony.

[@user-di7dn6yh9r]

I sometimes wonder who those people are that decided to commit their lives to defending the corrupt

[@JamesSmullins]

Here in Texas it's even better as it relates to the home. Anything attached to the home is considered the home like carports, porches you name it so long as it's attached it's the home and the can use lethal force. The problem is that many people think it extends to the rest of their property and barns and it doesn't. You still have no duty to retreat but even pulling your gun on a trespasser can land you in jail unless they are armed and even then pulling the trigger requires they reach for that firearm. I open carry on my property and often with my AR since I have to deal with coyotes and hogs and have run into trespassers. Most just run but I have had to call the cops on one that didn't. My guns stayed in the holster and my AR over my chest but with my hands on it just in case. That kept me out of jail since he turned out to be unarmed. I don't see trespassers anymore since day or night the ones around here who would do that know that I go down into the pastures day and night armed. And I'm not making much noise or using a flashlight until I have to since I can see fairly well at night.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

What kept said trespasser from saying that you pointed your AR at him? Criminals aren't really known to be honest.

[@JamesSmullins]

@@wizardofahhhs759 around here they are already known by the sheriff's department quite well, I also know the deputies and the town cops down the road very well since our patriot group works with them when needed.

[@DixieWhiskey]

Here in Louisiana, your vehicle is also considered part of your home. So you could be out and about somewhere and if you catch someone trying to steal it or from it, its the same as if they tried breaking into your house.

[@JamesSmullins]

@@DixieWhiskey same here if you are in it, if you aren't then you better be sure they are armed

[@DixieWhiskey]

@@JamesSmullins Atleast here that is irrelevant. If someone is in your vehicle you are free to light 'em up. What gets me is this isn't the wild west. If someone breaks into your house or your vehicle, you can't be expected to put yourself at risk to assess if they're armed or not. They obviously have bad intent.

[@floydbraido2426]

I'm a disabled senior citizen in a power chair, how in the hell am I going to flee.

[@acidking202]

I'm sure you can find it here on youtube. There is a Video by Mr Ayoob from the early 1990s. Its called, Judicious Use Of Deadly Force. Its definitely a must watch in your situation. Also Google "Disparity of force" statutes.

[@acidking202]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5uXgYaVbbdof6c here ya go.

[@jimtewa8096]

Sir if yours or your families life is on the balance you defend yourself and then and worry about court later life is worth way more then court time.

[@122Music1]

Don't flee. Just sit there with a good sight picture. Make sure they are of violent intent. Give warning while on the phone with 911. Be certain , be sharp, protect yourself come hell or high water. God bless u

[@floydbraido2426]

@@122Music1 as a LAST AND I MEAN AS A LAST RESORT ACTION. I'm a CCW holder in California and am allowed to carry a concealed weapon (Glock-17) in public. And I do.

[@tonycolca2241]

Sir you make excellent points using deadly force should definitely be the last resort. Many times a gun has saved me from robbery and assault when I never took the gun out. The persons that were planning the wrong doing sized me up and changed their minds.

[@richardkramer1094]

The standard here is the Kansas Personal and Family Protection Act of 2010 wherein you have a right to your defense and the defense others and your and their property. The KPFPA also establishes that if there is no criminal prosecution for the person defending such then there can be no civil protection. So if the determination of the criminal prosecutor is self defense then the assailant and their family have no legal standing for a civil prosecution.

[@PopBubbleWrappable]

Indiana has a similar law. If one can't be convicted in criminal court, then they can't be subject to double jeopardy in civil court for the exact same scenario that even landed that person in the court system in the fist place. It's one of the most humane and just laws that this and every first-world country needs.

[@dadadadave100]

Every state needs this

[@itisfinishednowtimetoclean2723]

I’m seriously thinking of moving to a state that has stand your ground, castle law, and CC carry/open carry state! I’m weary of being afraid of the law, as much as the criminals. Crooked needs to be set straight. It is getting harder for law abiding citizens who respect and honor others. That alone is tragic.

[@jduffey320]

Mas: hit that notification bell Me: (quietly) yes sir This dude commands respect. Love his videos. They don't make them like him anymore. Keep it up please sir

[@eddiexoc8430]

More golden nuggets of wisdom shared from decades of real world experience. Thank you very much for everyone involved in making these videos possible.

[@NFlight]

This man taught me the best line ever.. "Do you realize you are under oath? Yes, councilor, I am fully aware that I am under oath, just as I am fully aware that YOU are not."

[@P-M-869]

As a Florida Concealed Carry Permit Citizen. Thank you for your great explanation.. FYI: If the assailant was backing down I would take that as not feeling endangered anymore.

[@richardfuerst5286]

I love this man. Years of knowledge. Tells it the way it is! 👍.

[@stevewhisperer6609]

Decades!

[@perrynight2394]

We need a stand your ground law here in NYC.

[@itsmewillieD]

That will never happen. You should move.

[@donmittlestaedt1117]

Thank you Massad. It is good to see you again. (I fell off the end of the earth). With all the shootings in urban areas I feel compelled to renew my interest in self protection.

[@spyrospyratos6335]

Sir you're as always on point .You also understand reality .The problem is the civil suit, if the person is in the process of committing a crime that could harm another . Their family should be barred from filing a suit ,and any attorney taking that case should be disbarred .

[@Whitpusmc]

Thanks for spending the time and effort to spread the good word.

[@alphacharlietango969]

Mr. Massad Thank You for your lectures!

[@apuzyr]

Thanks again for sharing your experience and expertise.

[@longrider188]

The best way is to be aware of the situation and get out before a gun is needed. This means swallowing ones pride and leaving while being taunted, teased or challenged. If I can get out safely, I will leave. We have to be aware that when armed, we can't have the luxury of talking smack. If some one challenges you and you can get out safely, do it!

[@nk-dw2hm]

This is exactly the purpose of the laws, it's amazing how people misconstrue them for their political purposes

[@DC632A]

So knowledgeable and well spoken. Thank you.

[@nealboswell8786]

Thanks so much for your clarity on the "Stand Your Ground" issue.

[@jamesmiller360]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Enjoyed the video.

[@bhoward9378]

Thanks for this video. Massad Ayoob is a national treasure! I read his articles in the 1980s and 1990s and am honored to be able to watch him on video years later.

[@yourlogicalnightmare1014]

I read his suff in the 1890's

[@willardlentz3044]

Same here.

[@tunafish3216]

Sir you’re a wealth of knowledge. Thanks

[@roykiefer7713]

Thank you for an excellent and much needed presentation, concerning a topic that is fraught with confusion.

[@lovepickingnc9313]

Thank you Mr. Ayoob! I feel privileged to learn from you. You are so full of knowledge, thank you for sharing with us.

[@thinman8621]

Thank you Massad Ayoob and Bill Wilson for putting this information forward.

[@marcmorse2496]

Awesome content thanks for all your knowledge

[@jimtewa8096]

Always on track Sir, I am looking forward to your class in Slidell LA.

[@richardboll8763]

Just shared on Facebook! Thanks Mas!

[@brainkill7034]

Great information and easy to understand. Thank you for sharing, always love hearing from Massad Ayoob.

[@GAKTomory]

Great talk and explanation! Thank You.

[@acpacp7480]

Great explanation. Thank you.

[@erniesanders3724]

Great facts explanation Sir. Thank you and stay safe.

[@blantant]

Great content as always from Mas

[@cashields4660]

Another page added to my MAG40 notebook. Thanks Mas.

[@johnzollo511]

As a Florida resident,I appreciate your insight

[@gatescompton7876]

Well done, thank you!🤠

[@laserant]

Interesting points. Very informative thanks

[@vit1844]

thank you giving precious insight on gun laws!

[@whollyfree]

great vid, great job Mas. thank u

[@stevendaugherty7590]

Mr. Ayoob, thank you very much for your educational videos! Your videos are a valuable addition to the books that you have written on self defense for civilians.

[@edwinbest9256]

Thank you Massad, As a Florida native I really appreciate your explanation of this law package. Always watch your WC comments!

[@122Music1]

God bless Mas. This guy is my hero. 2021 is the 2A fight for our right to stop violent murderous intent fellons from raping, murdering, and invading our domiciles with the intent to kill. Why in gods name do we have to defend this simple priciple? If you violently breach my locked doors and continue to intrude after being warned , and you are armed, God help you in my house, and God be with me... 2A every day.

[@bhardwaajmohabir9147]

Thank you for showing it on you tube have a nice day 🙂

[@fredschmidt6802]

Hrfunk video made the same comment . If your in a hostile situation & you can walk away . That is always the best course of action . My father told me if you can avoid it do so if not make it the fight of your life because it is a fight for your life .

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

Nice video and great explanation.

[@bryanmcdermott4204]

Excellent breakdown

[@kaizenexcellens]

Thank you Mr Ayood, you have a very interesting channel appreciate your finer points of distinction as an expert. I am studying law so I really appreciate your expertise as it is very practical and shows the depth of your experience. Your moderate approach reflects a deep respect for life, contrasted against the practical necessity to effectively defend oneself in modern society. Thank you.

[@thaisilverback]

Excellent Advice!!!

[@user-uq4qm3jz9r]

That’s really beautiful and true. Thank you! ❤

[@Colt-ii4qn]

Legend ✊

[@patrickaltman6907]

Thank you Massad Ayoob.

[@setecastronomy4704]

Thank you!

[@2DaysataTime]

I’ve learned a great deal from you Massad… thank you.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Great to hear!

[@r.mercado9737]

Indeed, it was clear, sir! Semper Fi

[@jimd8008]

Thank you again

[@mela3054]

Good explanation...

[@robertbeckman2054]

Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine laws just simply state the obvious of protections that I still can’t believe aren’t obvious to certain states or political figures and many citizens to this day.

[@maineoutdoorsman677]

Any man that can recite statutes at will ,hase a lot of experience an knowledge, Glad he's puting these out here ,for law abiding families,thank you 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@gowilsoncombat]

Right on

[@flyoverkid55]

Well said, sir. In my State of residence, there is a condition of preclusion written into the concealed carry statute, and I find it both reasonable and advisable. Of course this only pertains to matters that can be determined in advance of conflict, and when such can be done safely. As you say, it would be difficult to imagine that any rational person would not want to avoid armed conflict if possible. Far too many citizens fail to understand the level of responsibility that comes with carrying a firearm for defense, and the complexity of law in this regard. As with so many other aspects of living, the more I learn about this, the more I realize there is to learn.

[@rongants6082]

So, every lowlife with no impulse control gets a free punch?

[@flyoverkid55]

@@rongants6082 No at all, and nothing I said even comes close to that. How did you manage to twist this matter in your mind?

[@williamhudson943]

Great info man!!!!!👍🍀🎄😎🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@gowilsoncombat]

Thanks 👍

[@jimmycagnee65]

Thank you.

[@TheNewBowunter]

Mass...is THE MAN!

[@steveh7108]

Unfortunately what most people fail to recognize is that when you turn and run from a predator it only empowers the Predator instinct. It doesn't matter if it's a lion a dog or a man. It triggers and empowers the Predator instinct. No one should ever have to turn and run from a human predator. Safely sneak away to avoid the conflict Maybe.

[@michaelbetsch9700]

Thank you Ayoob

[@dorothyfowler8339]

Thank you

[@haroldmartin902]

Great information!

[@willardlentz3044]

I have been reading Massad's works and watching his videos for so long I feel as if he is one of my next door neighbors and a friend of the family

[@thedesertwarrior7447]

Best KZbin channel ever... and there *are* other good ones. If a person assails me with words in a place in which I have the right to be, I wave good-bye. However, a person with malicious, and persistent intent to cause me harm will have a really, really bad day. I treat others as I hope to be treated. Simple rule I live by. Thank you, Mr. Ayoob. I treasure you, sir.

[@posmaster22]

I love this no-nonsense guy. I wish there were more of them around my area... Unfortunately I live in MA.

[@loudoncountycopwatchers9127]

sir, you are one of only a handful of police officers that i trust !

[@chevyvet69]

I live in Florida and I am so glad we have this law It absolutely protects us the law abiding citizenThe wavings are going now we absolutely need more of these kind of laws

[@876mpr]

Judges should dismiss any lawsuit brought if no charges were brought or the person was found not guilty.

[@stevewhisperer6609]

Hello Mas. How about doing a video for each state's carry laws? Or perhaps, a video covering a certain aspect of a law that deals with defensive carry/etc, and touching briefly on how each state covers that law, ( at least those states that are generally gun friendly, etc ). Just like with attending your LFI-1 lecture at FAS, the knowledge and wisdom you present in these videos is eye-opening and extremely valuable to the legally armed citizen. Keep these videos coming! Thank you, Mas.

[@alancrews2066]

Good info. Thnx.

[@claytoningram1333]

Your an awesome narrator!

[@Tadicuslegion78]

Sometimes I think Lawyers actively look for excuses to send people to jail even if all evidence says the person was the victim not the perpetrator

[@invisiblesculpturethief7290]

This is so true

[@benjammin7993]

MASS WISDOM

[@joeladamson953]

A lot of churches are forming security teams to keep their congregation safe. Think of sheep dogs protecting the flock. What advice does Massad have for armed members of those teams?

[@flyoverkid55]

My 2 cents. I suspect that everything discussed in this article pertains to use of deadly force, be it at church, in your home, on the street, etc. If you have a right to be in that location, and did not initiate the conflict, you have a Constitutionally protected right to self defense. That extends in part to third parties. The largest issue in third party matters derives from the factors involved in what initiated the conflict. In a church environment, it will be easier [ not easy ] to monitor the actions of those in attendance, if the protective team is of sufficient numbers. I would advise that each member have attended at least two individual classes in firearm use for self defense, not including a concealed carry class. These classes should be taught and certified by current or former LEO, preferably members of IALEFI or ASLET. I can't address specifics as each church will have specific needs. Become very familiar with the laws in your State, your county prosecutors office and record of actions in this regard, and what, if any, liability insurance the church or diocese might have and whether or not it will cover the team. You may also want to contact other church protective teams in your State for additional information.

[@trentjacobs3957]

I'd highly recommend his books, any and all of them. They might not b specific to church security teams but, they're packed with the best I go available. N my opinion, Ayoob is the authority on all things concealed carry and deadly force, concerning equipment, legalities, and tactics. and

[@HAYAOLEONE]

Hospitals need security teams for protection against BABY PENIS MUTILATION by psychopaths. Freedom of speech? +

[@stevenlindsey2056]

@@HAYAOLEONE I am so thankful that my parents didn't think like you.

[@HAYAOLEONE]

@@stevenlindsey2056 I am so thankful I was not MUTILATED as a BABY. +

[@theChestnutMtnTinman]

Good stuff 😎😎

[@renflo86]

Nice !

[@dennykitchens8598]

As someone that has dealt with this personally what it comes down to is you best better keep your cool when you first talk to the police and tell your side in detail of what made the situation escalate to the point that it did

[@bradboustead1682]

My state used to have the "obligation to retreat". When we got rid of it the "wild wild west" media hysteria was shameful.

[@tomas.8711]

Capt. Ayoob, I would LOVE to see you legally analyze the scene in "Gran Torino" where Clint Eastwood draws his .45 pistol on the blacks. MANY concealed carriers thinks they could this, with no repercussions!

[@jtpenman]

The zen master of CCW

[@michaelfay794]

What about Massachusetts back in the day Ma's? We just about had to dive out our 2nd floor window and start our vehicle B4 we took defensive action to protect ourselves and our families.

[@texassportsman5880]

True, a person can be sued even if they are found innocent. Do what Trump does and that's to file a countersuit accusing the family of the person(s) of not seeking enough or doing enough to help their troubled family member. Sue them for pain and anguish for having to use force up to deadly force because their family member made you feel threatened, experienced fear, etc. In other words turn their lawsuit around back at them. When suits are filed against each other sometimes ends with both parties dropping their suits.

[@jessiedryer6848]

I thought it was very informative 👍

[@kayakdog121]

Criminals have the right to not be shot if THEY are retreating. That's all that is necessary.

[@johnshepherd8687]

Just because you can stand your ground does not mean you should. As Mr. Ayoob said if you can safely retreat you should do so.

[@RocketPropelledGuy]

Like Massad says, finding case law about these things in your state is absolutely crucial to understanding the differences between the stand-your-ground laws between states, although most of them are very similar to the Florida statutes in language and legal consequence. The trouble with some random lay individual (Let me be clear, I am not referring to Massad, I mean the general public) just reading a statute and thinking they now understand it is that there is almost always underlying nuance. It has every appearance of being written in English, but actually it isn't even though the typeface may look familiar. It is written in lawyer. Law is written by lawyers in the language of lawyers for other lawyers to read and do lawyer things with. For the layman, it's like being able to read and write except he has no knowledge of punctuation whatsoever, even of a period. For instance, in the state I live in, Iowa, the opposite of what the Florida Supreme Court decided with regard to the immunity hearing common to stand your ground legislation across states has occured: In State vs Wilson (2020) the Iowa Supreme Court held that the immunity hearing applies only to civil trial on the grounds that the text of the statute grants immunity from liability, not immunity from prosecution as in other states. From the opinion: "On appeal, the defendant argues that Iowa Code section 704.13 entitled him to a pretrial evidentiary hearing where he could have presented his justification defense and been vindicated without need for a trial. See Iowa Code § 704.13. We conclude, however, that the 2017 legislation does not require pretrial hearings. Significantly, section 704.13 provides an immunity from "liability," id., not an immunity from "prosecution" as in some other states with stand-your-ground laws." Obviously, most of us would hold that this is not the intent of that law given that the statute itself uses the phrasing "criminal or civil liability" but the state supreme court ruled and we now need to approach it with corrective legislation or hope for clarification from the US Supreme Court (not likely).

[@RocketPropelledGuy]

Also for whatever it's worth the defendant in State Vs Wilson was, by even his own account of the events he gave to police, not justified in his use of deadly force and the jury rendered a guilty verdict, convicting him of voluntary manslaughter.

[@jacobwalls9965]

would like to see a comprehensive video on constitutional carry

[@sertank735]

The beyond a reasonable doubt standard should be applied to civil court as well.

[@crazymike4894]

Thank you mr AyooB. You’re my new hero. 😊. And I ran into a MS 13 guy Ugly story 😮

[@juanmanuellopeznovas7908]

I agree with you ever before seeing the video. You should run if you can do it without risk 2 yourself or others , but it musn´t be mandatory 2 do it

[@paulhenshaw1089]

Michigan has a Stand Your Gound Law. Is this MI law the same as Fla Law? And what carry insurance would or could you recommend?