2025 Session
Last amended: 1986 session
§ 609.065 — Justifiable Taking of Life
Plain-Language Summary
Minnesota's law on when deadly force in self-defense is legally justified. A person may use deadly force only when it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to themselves or another person, or to stop a felony from being committed in their home.
609.065 JUSTIFIABLE TAKING OF LIFE.
The intentional taking of the life of another is not authorized by section 609.06, except when necessary in resisting or preventing an offense which the actor reasonably believes exposes the actor or another to great bodily harm or death, or preventing the commission of a felony in the actor’s place of abode.
History:
1963 c 753 art 1 s 609.065; 1978 c 736 s 1; 1986 c 444
History: History: 1963 c 753 art 1 s 609.065; 1978 c 736 s 1; 1986 c 444
Practical Notes
This is a critical self-defense statute. Minnesota does not have a ‘stand your ground’ law. Deadly force is only justified when you reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death, great bodily harm, or a felony in your home. The use of deadly force must be a last resort. If you are involved in a self-defense situation, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately, as the determination of whether force was justified is fact-specific and serious.