Self Defense
Minn. Stat. 609.065 — deadly force only against great bodily harm or death, or a felony in the home
Reasonable force may be used on another without consent when the person reasonably believes it is being used to resist, or to help another resist, an offense against the person, or to resist a trespass or other unlawful interference with property in the person's lawful possession, among the other listed circumstances.
Deadly force. Intentionally taking another's life is authorized only when necessary to resist or prevent an offense the person reasonably believes exposes the person or another to great bodily harm or death, or to prevent a felony in the person's place of abode.
Deadly force may not be used against peace officers who have announced their presence and are performing official duties at a location where a person is committing a crime or an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult.
Sources for this section (2)
- Minn. Stat. 609.06 — Authorized use of force
- Minn. Stat. 609.065 — Justifiable taking of life
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Minnesota attorney.