Does Strengthening Self-Defense Law Deter Crime or Escalate Violence?:Evidence from Expansions to Castle Doctrine

Cheng Cheng and Mark Hoekstra

Journal of Human Resources, 2013, vol. 48, issue 3

Abstract: From 2000 to 2010, more than 20 states passed so-called “Castle Doctrine” or “stand your ground” laws. These laws expand the legal justification for the use of lethal force in self-defense, thereby lowering the expected cost of using lethal force and increasing the expected cost of committing violent crime. This paper exploits the within-state variation in self-defense law to examine their effect on homicides and violent crime. Results indicate the laws do not deter burglary, robbery, or aggravated assault. In contrast, they lead to a statistically significant 8 percent net increase in the number of reported murders and nonnegligent manslaughters.

Date: 2013
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Working Paper: Does Strengthening Self-Defense Law Deter Crime or Escalate Violence? Evidence from Castle Doctrine (2012)
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