Use of Force & the Law

When evaluating use of force, Minnesota law considers the type and severity of the threat. The degree of harm involved directly impacts whether force is justified.

What is “Great Bodily Harm”?

Great bodily harm is a legal term used in self-defense and use-of-force evaluations. It is defined under Minnesota Statutes as:

“Bodily injury which creates a high probability of death, or which causes serious permanent disfigurement, or which causes a permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.”
– Minn. Stat. § 609.02, Subd. 8

Understanding this definition is essential to recognizing when deadly force may be legally justified.

🔍 Key Requirements:

• Imminent Threat: You must believe death or great bodily harm is about to occur — not later, not maybe.
• Reasonable Belief: A judge or jury must agree that a reasonable person would believe deadly force was necessary.
• Proportional Response: You may not use deadly force to stop minor crimes or perceived disrespect — only when life is at risk.
• Residence Clause: The law includes special protection for use of deadly force in your own home under qualifying conditions.

You are responsible for every round you fire. This law exists to protect those who act lawfully and in genuine defense of life — not to justify aggression or vengeance.

We’ll explore the Castle Doctrine and duty to retreat next, both of which help clarify how this statute plays out in real situations.