I wish every gun owner would take a CCW class!

[REAPER4206969]

Most castle doctrines include "where ever you have a right to be." Is AZ different?

 

[Hellbore]

I don't know, #1 there was no mention of castle doctrine in the class, and #2 the instructor specifically said that even if you shoot someone and it was self-defense, expect to be sued and potentially lose everything you own.

 

[REAPER4206969]

Sounds like a poor instructor.

 

[shockwave]

Most castle doctrines include "where ever you have a right to be." Is AZ different?

Florida law is a bit hazy on this. No question "castle doctrine" applies to your home and vehicle (includes bicycle). There is no need to retreat. In public, where you have a right to be someplace, is where it's less clear.

Q. When can I use my handgun to protect myself?

A. Florida law justifies use of deadly force when you are:

* Trying to protect yourself or another person from death or serious bodily harm;
* Trying to prevent a forcible felony, such as rape, robbery, burglary or kidnapping.

Using or displaying a handgun in any other circumstances could result in your conviction for crimes such as improper exhibition of a firearm, manslaughter, or worse.

So according to that you are justified in deadly force to protect yourself or others from imminent or occurring harm. But then a little further along there's this:

Q. What if someone is attacking me in my own home?

A. The courts have created an exception to the duty to retreat called the “castle doctrine.” Under the castle doctrine, you need not retreat from your own home to avoid using deadly force against an assailant. The castle doctrine applies if you are attacked in your own home by an intruder.

Here then is the infamous "duty to retreat" phrase. Balancing these two sections implies that in public, while you might be justified in producing and/or firing your weapon in self defense, there is an expectation that retreat is preferable if possible. A further section explains that your place of business is equivalent to your home with respect to castle doctrine.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Out of the 50 or so in the class, a bunch of them had never shot a gun before, and had bought their first gun just for this class.

This is surprisingly common.