Despite the Unintended Consequences, Laws Protecting Self-Defense Are Here to Stay

Stand your ground laws are spreading and empowering armed citizens to use deadly force when perceiving threats, even by mistake.
Recent tragedies show that dangerous assumptions and split-second decisions can have fatal consequences, especially for minorities and young people.
There is little evidence that expanding self-defense laws deters crime, and research shows these laws are linked to more homicides and racial inequities.
Although critics argue for reform, supporters claim that self-defense laws do not justify indiscriminate violence and place limits on using lethal force.
America's gun culture and the perception of danger continue to drive firearm sales and make deadly force more likely, highlighting the need for alternative approaches to safety.