Lesson 41 – Minnesota Self-Defense Statutes Overview
Minnesota law provides specific legal grounds for using deadly force in self-defense. Understanding these statutes is critical for every permit holder.
📜 MN Statute 609.065 – Justifiable Taking of Life:
- Deadly force is allowed only to prevent death or great bodily harm to yourself or another
- You must not be the aggressor
- There must be no reasonable means to retreat (outside the home)
🏠 MN Statute 609.06 – Reasonable Force:
- Outlines when non-deadly force may be used in defense of self or property
- Force must be proportional to the threat
⚠️ Additional Considerations:
- You may be prosecuted if your actions exceed what the law allows
- The “reasonable person” standard is used — would another person in your position act the same way?
- Courts will evaluate your conduct before, during, and after the incident
Know the law. Train for the moment. And if that moment ever comes — act within the law, not outside it.