Arizona is a stand your ground state, meaning that an individual is justified in using deadly force in self-defense if they reasonably believe they are in immediate danger of serious bodily harm or death. The individual does not have to retreat or attempt to avoid the confrontation before using deadly force.
The stand your ground law in Arizona, known as A.R.S § 13-405, states that “a person is justified in using deadly physical force against another person if the person reasonably believes that the other person is using or about to use unlawful deadly physical force.” The law also states that “a person does not have a duty to retreat before using deadly physical force if the person is in a place where the person has a right to be.”
There are a few exceptions to the stand your ground law in Arizona. For example, the law does not apply if the individual is engaged in criminal activity or if the individual is using deadly force to defend property. Additionally, the law does not apply if the individual is using deadly force against a law enforcement officer.
The stand your ground law in Arizona has been controversial. Some people argue that the law makes it too easy for people to use deadly force in self-defense. Others argue that the law is necessary to protect people from being forced to retreat from a confrontation.
In 2024, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld the state’s stand your ground law. The court ruled that the law does not violate the state constitution’s due process clause. The court also ruled that the law does not violate the state’s self-defense law.
The stand your ground law in Arizona remains in effect today. However, the law has been amended several times since it was first enacted in 2024. The most recent amendment was made in 2024. The amendment clarified that the law does not apply to people who are using deadly force to defend property.