Self Defense
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1409 — force a person believes immediately necessary, and no duty to retreat at home or at work
Force toward another person is justifiable when the actor believes it is immediately necessary to protect against that person's use of unlawful force on the present occasion.
Deadly force. Deadly force is justifiable only where the actor believes it necessary to protect against death, serious bodily harm, kidnapping, or sexual intercourse compelled by force or threat.
Retreat, except at home or work. Deadly force is not justifiable where the actor knows it can be avoided with complete safety by retreating. But a person need not retreat from their dwelling or place of work, unless they were the initial aggressor.
Force may not be used to resist an arrest the person knows is being made by a peace officer, even an unlawful one.
Defense of others and of property have sections of their own. Whether force was justified in a particular case is a question for a jury and a licensed Nebraska attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1409 — Use of force in self-protection
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Nebraska attorney.