Quick Reference
Magazine Capacity Restrictions
Constitutional (Permitless) Carry Allowed
Red Flag Laws
Carry in Alcohol Establishments Allowed
Open Carry Allowed
No Weapons Signs Enforced by Law
NFA Weapons Allowed
Duty to Retreat
Duty to Inform Law Enforcement
"Universal" Background Checks Required
Table of Contents
State Law Summary
Constitution of the State of Massachusetts - Part I, Art. XVII
"The people have a right to keep and bear arms for the common defense."
Permit Eligibility, Training and Application Process
The history of firearms licensing in Massachusetts has evolved significantly over the years, beginning with the Gun Control Act of 1968, which introduced the requirement for firearm identification cards. In 1998, the state implemented comprehensive reforms with the passing of the Gun Control Act, which mandated that individuals obtain a license to carry (LTC) for handguns and a firearm identification (FID) card for rifles and shotguns. This law established a more rigorous licensing process, including background checks and safety training. In 2004, the Commonwealth v. Smith case highlighted the need for due process in the licensing system, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment for applicants. The 2014 Act Relative to the Prevention of Gun Violence further tightened regulations, introducing measures such as mandatory reporting of lost or stolen firearms and restrictions on high-capacity magazines.
License EligibilityÂ
A license shall not be issued to a prohibited person. A prohibited person shall be a person who:
- has, in a court of the commonwealth, been convicted or adjudicated a youthful offender or delinquent child, both as defined in section 52 of chapter 119, for the commission of (A) a felony; (B) a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for more than 2 years ; (C) a violent crime as defined in section 121; (D) a violation of any law regulating the use, possession, ownership, transfer, purchase, sale, lease, rental, receipt or transportation of weapons or ammunition for which a term of imprisonment may be imposed; (E) a violation of any law regulating the use, possession or sale of a controlled substance as defined in section 1 of chapter 94C including, but not limited to, a violation of said chapter 94C; or (F) a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(33);
- has, in any other state or federal jurisdiction, been convicted or adjudicated a youthful offender or delinquent child for the commission of (A) a felony; (B) a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for more than 2 years; (C) a violent crime as defined in section 121; (D) a violation of any law regulating the use, possession, ownership, transfer, purchase, sale, lease, rental, receipt or transportation of weapons or ammunition for which a term of imprisonment may be imposed; (E) a violation of any law regulating the use, possession or sale of a controlled substance as defined in said section 1 of said chapter 94C including, but not limited to, a violation of said chapter 94C; or (F) a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(33);
- is or has been (A) committed to a hospital or institution for mental illness, alcohol or substance abuse, except a commitment pursuant to sections 35 or 36C of chapter 123, unless after 5 years from the date of the confinement, the applicant submits with the application an affidavit of a licensed physician or clinical psychologist attesting that such physician or psychologist is familiar with the applicant's mental illness, alcohol or substance abuse and that in the physician's or psychologist's opinion, the applicant is not disabled by a mental illness, alcohol or substance abuse in a manner that shall prevent the applicant from possessing a firearm, rifle or shotgun; (B) committed by a court order to a hospital or institution for mental illness, unless the applicant was granted a petition for relief of the court order pursuant to said section 36C of said chapter 123 and submits a copy of the court order with the application; (C) subject to an order of the probate court appointing a guardian or conservator for a incapacitated person on the grounds that the applicant lacks the mental capacity to contract or manage the applicant's affairs, unless the applicant was granted a petition for relief of the order of the probate court pursuant to section 56C of chapter 215 and submits a copy of the order of the probate court with the application; or (D) found to be a person with an alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder or both and committed pursuant to said section 35 of said chapter 123, unless the applicant was granted a petition for relief of the court order pursuant to said section 35 and submits a copy of the court order with the application;
- is younger than 21 years of age at the time of the application;
- is an alien who does not maintain lawful permanent residency;
- is currently subject to: (A) an order for suspension or surrender issued pursuant to sections 3B or 3C of chapter 209A or a similar order issued by another jurisdiction; (B) a permanent or temporary protection order issued pursuant to said chapter 209A or a similar order issued by another jurisdiction, including any order described in 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(8); (C) a permanent or temporary harassment prevention order issued pursuant to chapter 258E or a similar order issued by another jurisdiction; or (D) an extreme risk protection order issued pursuant to sections 131R to 131X, inclusive, or a similar order issued by another jurisdiction.
- is currently the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant in any state or federal jurisdiction;
- has been discharged from the armed forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions;
- is a fugitive from justice; or
- having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced that citizenship.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140 § 131 (d)
Training Requirements
An applicant must complete a course that covers at least the following topics:
- the safe use, handling and storage of firearms;
- methods for securing and childproofing firearms;
- the applicable laws relating to the possession, transportation and storage of firearms;
- knowledge of operation, potential dangers and basic competency in the ownership and use of firearms;
- injury and suicide prevention and harm reduction education;
- applicable laws relating to the use of force;
- disengagement tactics; and
- live firearms training.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140 § 131P (b) (ii)
Application Process
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140 § 131 (d) & (e)
Permitless Carry Law
The terms “constitutional carry” and “permitless carry” refer to states that have laws allowing individuals to carry a loaded firearm in public without requiring a license or permit.Â
Reciprocity Agreements
Reciprocity refers to an agreement between states to recognize, or honor, a concealed firearm permit issued by another state.
When you are in another state, you are subject to that state’s laws. Even if a state recognizes your carry permit or allows for permitless carry, the state may have additional restrictions on certain types of firearms, magazines, or ammunition. Take time to learn the law!
State Preemption Laws
State firearm preemption laws are statutes that prevent local governments from enacting or enforcing their own gun regulations that are more restrictive than state law. These laws ensure that firearm regulations remain consistent across the state, preventing a patchwork of different rules in various cities or counties.Â
Purchase/Transfer Laws
When buying or selling a firearm, both federal and state laws must be followed. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(5), a private party may sell a firearm to a resident of the same state if two conditions are met: (1) the seller and buyer must be residents of the same state, and (2) the seller must not know or have reasonable cause to believe that the buyer is prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms under federal law, as outlined in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).Â
Additionally, a private seller may loan or rent a firearm to a resident of any state for temporary lawful sporting use, provided they meet the same condition of not knowing or having reason to believe the borrower is prohibited under federal law. Â
In addition to federal law, state laws governing firearm sales must also be followed, as states may impose additional restrictions such as background checks, waiting periods, or bans on specific types of firearms.Â
- a person with a license to sell issued under section 122;
- a federally licensed firearms dealer; or
- a federal, state or local historical society, museum or institutional collection open to the public, without an annual limit on transfers.
- a person with a license to carry under section 131;
- an exempted person if permitted under section 129C; and
- a person with a firearm identification card under section 129B; provided, however, that for transfers and purchases of firearms that are not rifles and shotguns that are not large capacity or semiautomatic, the transferee shall also have a valid permit to purchase under section 131A.
- sell or transfer firearms and ammunition therefor, to a federally licensed firearms dealer, or a federal, state or local historical society, museum or institutional collection open to the public; and
- sell or transfer no more than 4 firearms and ammunition therefor per calendar year to:
- a person with a license to carry under section 131;
- an exempted person under section 129C; or
- a person with a firearm identification card under section 129B; provided, however, that for transfers and purchases of firearms that are not rifles and shotguns that are not large capacity or semi-automatic, the transferee shall have a valid permit to purchase under section 131A.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140 § 128A
Firearm Classification and Accessory Restrictions
COMING SOON!
Magazine Capacity Restrictions
Magazine capacity laws are designed to limit the number of rounds a firearm's magazine can hold, typically restricting it to a certain number of cartridges (e.g., 10 rounds or fewer). Some state laws restrict the amount of rounds that may be placed in a magazine at any given time, while others prevent the mere possession of unloaded magazines capable of accepting more than a certain number of rounds. Â
- any device that has been permanently altered so that it cannot accommodate more than 10 rounds of ammunition or more than 5 shotgun shells;
- an attached tubular device designed to accept and capable of operating only with .22 caliber rimfire ammunition; or
- a tubular magazine that is contained in a lever-action firearm or on a pump shotgun.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140 § 121
- on private property owned or legally controlled by the person in possession of the large capacity feeding device;
- on private property that is not open to the public with the express permission of the property owner or the property owner's authorized agent;
- while on the premises of a licensed firearms dealer or gunsmith for the purpose of lawful repair;
- at a licensed firing range or sports shooting competition venue; or
- while traveling to and from these locations; provided, that the large capacity feeding device is stored unloaded and secured in a locked container in accordance with sections 131C and 131L. A person authorized under this subsection to possess a large capacity feeding device may only transfer the device to an heir or devisee, a person residing outside the commonwealth, or a licensed dealer.
- a qualified law enforcement officer or a qualified retired law enforcement officer, as defined in the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004, 18 U.S.C. sections 926B and 926C, respectively, as amended;
- a federal, state or local law enforcement agency; or
- a federally licensed manufacturer solely for sale or transfer in another state or for export.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140 § 131M
Prohibited Areas - Where Firearms Are Prohibited Under State law
Carrying a firearm into a place where firearms are prohibited by state or federal law is a common way for gun owners to find themselves in legal trouble. These places are known as “prohibited areas,” and they can vary greatly from state to state.
Below you will find the list of the places where firearms are prohibited under this state’s laws. Keep in mind, in addition to these state prohibited areas, federal law adds additional places where firearms are prohibited. See the federal law section for a list of federal prohibited areas. Â
Massachusetts law:
Firearms are prohibited in the following locations.
- Schools, colleges, and universities. (MGL 269.10 (j))
- A place owned, leased, or under the control of state, county or municipal government and used for the purpose of government administration, judicial or court administrative proceedings, or correctional services, including in or upon any part of the buildings, grounds, or parking areas thereof (General Laws Part IV Title I Chapter 269 Section 10 (2) (i))
- Polling locations (General Laws Part IV Title I Chapter 269 Section 10 (2) (ii))
- Logan Airport security zone (Part I - Title XIV - Chapter 90 Section 61)
- Airports (740 CMR 30.04)
- Court facilities
- Casinos (CMR 205 Mass. Reg. 138.20)
- Off-highway vehicles (General Laws Part I Title XIV Chapter 90B Section 26)
- Boston parks (Boston Parks Rules and Regulations Section 2)
Methods of Carry - Open Carry Laws
Open carry and concealed carry refer to two distinct methods of carrying firearms in public. Open carry involves visibly carrying a firearm, typically in a holster, where it is easily seen by others. Concealed carry, on the other hand, involves carrying a firearm in a hidden manner, such as under clothing, so that it is not visible to others. Â
No Weapons Signs
No weapons" signs are notices posted by businesses or private property owners indicating that firearms or other weapons are not allowed on the premises. The legal impact of these signs varies by state. In some states, these signs have the force of law, meaning that if a person carries a weapon onto the property in violation of the sign, they can face criminal penalties such as fines or arrest. In these states, ignoring a "no weapons" sign can result in legal consequences similar to trespassing. Â
In other states, however, these signs are merely a business's policy, and while a person carrying a weapon might be asked to leave, there are no legal penalties for entering with a weapon unless they refuse to leave when asked, at which point trespassing laws may apply.Â
Massachusetts law:
Whoever, without right enters or remains in or upon the dwelling house, buildings, boats or improved or enclosed land, wharf, or pier of another, or enters or remains in a school bus, as defined in section 1 of chapter 90, after having been forbidden so to do by the person who has lawful control of said premises, whether directly or by notice posted thereon, or in violation of a court order pursuant to section thirty-four B of chapter two hundred and eight or section three or four of chapter two hundred and nine A, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days or both such fine and imprisonment. Proof that a court has given notice of such a court order to the alleged offender shall be prima facie evidence that the notice requirement of this section has been met. A person who is found committing such trespass may be arrested by a sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable or police officer and kept in custody in a convenient place, not more than twenty-four hours, Sunday excepted, until a complaint can be made against him for the offence, and he be taken upon a warrant issued upon such complaint.
This section shall not apply to tenants or occupants of residential premises who, having rightfully entered said premises at the commencement of the tenancy or occupancy, remain therein after such tenancy or occupancy has been or is alleged to have been terminated. The owner or landlord of said premises may recover possession thereof only through appropriate civil proceedings.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 266 § 120
Controlled Substance/Alcohol Laws
Most, but not all, states have laws in place that regulate possessing firearms while intoxicated, and individual states will define "intoxicated" differently. In addition to state law, federal law also prohibits the possession of a firearm by any person who is “an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” as defined by the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”). There are five different schedules of controlled substances regulated by the CSA, scheduled as I–V. The types of drugs that are regulated range from heroin as a Schedule I substance, to Robitussin AC as a Schedule V substance. Even a gun owner that is prescribed a scheduled drug by a physician can be in legal jeopardy if it is proven that the drug was taken in a frequency or manner other than was prescribed. Â
Although legal for medicinal or recreational use in many states, marijuana remains classified as a scheduled controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), codified as 21 U.S.C. § 812. On May 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice published a proposed rule change that would reclassify marijuana from schedule I to a schedule III drug. It is anticipated this rescheduling will formally occur in 2024 or 2025. Unlike schedule I drugs, schedule III drugs may be lawfully prescribed by a licensed physician, and thus the possession of these prescribed drugs does not make the possession of a firearm inherently unlawful the way possession of a schedule I substance would. This means that the rescheduling of marijuana to a schedule III drug would finally allow for the lawful use, possession and purchase of firearms by prescription marijuana users. However, if it is determined that the marijuana is possessed without a prescription, is used in a manner that is not prescribed, or that the individual with the prescription is addicted to marijuana, possession of a firearm would still be a federal offense. Federal law states that a person is addicted to a controlled substance when they have “lost the power of self-control with reference to the use of controlled substance; and any person who is a current user of a controlled substance in a manner other than as prescribed by a licensed physician.”  Â
27 C.F.R. § 478.11, 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(3)Â
Whoever, having in effect a license to carry firearms issued under section 131 or 131F of chapter 140, while with a percentage, by weight, of alcohol in their blood of eight one-hundredths or greater, or carries on his person, or has under his control in a vehicle, a loaded firearm, as defined in section 121 of said chapter 140, while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or marijuana, narcotic drugs, depressants or stimulant substances, all as defined in section 1 of chapter 94C, or from smelling or inhaling the fumes of any substance having the property of releasing toxic vapors as defined in section 18 of chapter 270 shall be punished by a fine of not more than $5,000 or by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than two and one-half years, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 269 § 10H
Vehicle and Transport Laws
Permit reciprocity and other differences between state regulation of firearms can create a difficult landscape for firearm owners to navigate while transporting firearms interstate. In 1968, and again in 1986, Congress set out to help hunters, travelers, and other firearm owners who were getting arrested for merely transporting firearms through restrictive states. To help simplify the complex web of state firearm laws, Congress passed the 1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act (“FOPA”) as part of Senate Bill 2414. The specific “safe harbor” provision of the law, often referred to as the “McClure-Volkmer Rule,” provides some protection for gun owners transporting firearms through restrictive states, subject to strict requirements. This federal law is covered in more detail in the federal law section of this database. Â
Beyond federal law, the laws of each state will impose additional restrictions, or protections, related to transporting firearms in a vehicle. Â
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140 § 131C
Storage Requirements
Some states have laws that require gun owners to take specific measures to secure their firearms, especially in households with children. Many of these state laws mandate that guns be stored in locked containers or safes when not in use. These laws often impose penalties for failing to secure firearms, particularly if they are accessed by unauthorized individuals, such as minors. Â
It shall be unlawful to store or keep any firearm in any place unless such firearm is secured in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device, properly engaged so as to render such firearm inoperable by any person other than the owner or other lawfully authorized user. It shall be unlawful to store or keep any stun gun in any place unless such firearm is secured in a locked container accessible only to the owner or other lawfully authorized user. For purposes of this section, such firearm shall not be deemed stored or kept if carried by or under the control of the owner or other lawfully authorized user.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140 § 131L (a)
Other Weapons Restrictions
COMING SOON!
Police Encounter Laws
Some states impose a legal duty upon permit holders that requires them to inform a police officer of the presence of a firearm whenever they have an official encounter, such as a traffic stop. These states are called “duty to inform” states. In these states you are required by law to immediately, and affirmatively, tell a police officer if you have a firearm in your possession.Â
In addition to “duty to inform states,” some states have “quasi duty to inform” laws. These laws generally require that a permit holder have his/her permit in their possession and surrender it upon the request of an officer. The specific requirements of these laws will vary from state to state.Â
The final category of states is classified as “no duty to inform” states. In these states there are no laws that require a gun owner to affirmatively inform an officer if they have a firearm. Additionally, there are also generally no laws that require you to respond or provide a permit if asked about the presence of a firearm.  Â
Massachusetts is a quasi-duty-to-inform state.
Any person who, while not being within the limits of his own property or residence, or such person whose property or residence is under lawful search, and who is not exempt under this section, shall on demand of a police officer or other law enforcement officer, exhibit his license to carry firearms, or his firearm identification card or receipt for fee paid for such card, or, after January first, nineteen hundred and seventy, exhibit a valid hunting license issued to him which shall bear the number officially inscribed of such license to carry or card if any. Upon failure to do so such person may be required to surrender to such officer said firearm, rifle or shotgun which shall be taken into custody as under the provisions of section one hundred and twenty-nine D, except that such firearm, rifle or shotgun shall be returned forthwith upon presentation within thirty days of said license to carry firearms, firearm identification card or receipt for fee paid for such card or hunting license as hereinbefore described. Any person subject to the conditions of this paragraph may, even though no firearm, rifle or shotgun was surrendered, be required to produce within thirty days said license to carry firearms, firearm identification card or receipt for fee paid for such card, or said hunting license, failing which the conditions of section one hundred and twenty-nine D will apply. Nothing in this section shall prevent any person from being prosecuted for any violation of this chapter.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140 § 129C
Red Flag or Emergency Risk Orders
Emergency Risk Orders (or "Red Flag Laws") enable rapid legal action when someone is believed to be at significant risk of harming themselves or others with a firearm. Generally speaking, these controversial laws allow law enforcement to seek a court order to temporarily confiscate firearms from the individual and prevent them from purchasing new ones while the order is in effect. The most robust laws also permit family members and others to file petitions.Â
- state any relevant facts supporting the petition;
- identify the reasons why the petitioner believes that the respondent poses a risk of causing bodily injury to self or others by having in the respondent's control, ownership or possession a firearm or ammunition;
- identify the number, types and locations of any firearms or ammunition the petitioner believes to be in the respondent's current control, ownership or possession;
- identify whether there is an abuse prevention order pursuant to chapter 209A, a harassment prevention order pursuant to chapter 258E or an order similar to an abuse prevention or harassment prevention order issued by another jurisdiction in effect against the respondent; and
- identify whether there is a pending lawsuit, complaint, petition or other legal action between the parties to the petition.
- crisis intervention;
- mental health;
- substance use disorders;
- counseling services; and
- the process to apply for a temporary commitment under section 12 of chapter 123.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140 § 131R
- Upon the filing of a petition pursuant to section 131R, the court may issue an emergency extreme risk protection order without notice to the respondent and prior to the hearing required pursuant to subsection (a) of section 131S if the court finds reasonable cause to conclude that the respondent poses a risk of causing bodily injury to the respondent's self or others by being in possession of a license to carry firearms or a firearm identification card or having in the respondent's control, ownership or possession a firearm or ammunition. Upon issuance of an emergency extreme risk protection order pursuant to this section, the clerk magistrate of the court shall notify the respondent pursuant to subsection (e) of section 131S. An order issued under this subsection shall expire 10 days after its issuance unless a hearing is scheduled pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) of said section 131S or at the conclusion of a hearing held pursuant to said subsection (a) or (b) of said section 131S unless a permanent order is issued by the court pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (c) of said section 131S.
- Upon receipt of service of an extreme risk protection order pursuant to this section, the respondent shall immediately surrender the respondent's license to carry firearms or firearm identification card and all firearms or ammunition to the local licensing authority serving the order as provided in subsection (f) of section 131S.
- If the court has probable cause to believe that the respondent has access to a firearm or ammunition, on their person or in an identified place, and the respondent fails to surrender any firearms or ammunition within 24 hours of being served pursuant to subsection (e) of section 131S, the court shall issue a warrant identifying the property, naming or describing the person or place to be searched, and commanding the appropriate law enforcement agency to search the person of the respondent and any identified place and seize any firearm or ammunition found to which the respondent would have access.
- The law enforcement agency shall conduct its search and manage any seized property pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection (d) of section 131S.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140 § 131T
Use of Force in Defense of Person
The legal use of force, including deadly force, is regulated by state law. There are no federal laws that dictate when you can use force in self-defense in all states. As such, it is essential to become familiar with individual state laws.
Massachusetts law:
Under Massachusetts law, you are justified in using deadly force in self-defense if you have taken every opportunity to avoid combat and have a reasonable ground to believe, and actually do believe that you are in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury.
Commonwealth v. Berry, 727 N.E.2d 517 (Mass. 2000); Mass. Crim. Model Jury Instructions No. 9.260.
Admissibility of evidence of physical, sexual or psychological abuse and related expert testimony
In the trial of criminal cases charging the use of force against another where the issue of defense of self or another, defense of duress or coercion, or accidental harm is asserted, a defendant shall be permitted to introduce either or both of the following in establishing the reasonableness of the defendant's apprehension that death or serious bodily injury was imminent, the reasonableness of the defendant's belief that he had availed himself of all available means to avoid physical combat or the reasonableness of a defendant's perception of the amount of force necessary to deal with the perceived threat:
- evidence that the defendant is or has been the victim of acts of physical, sexual or psychological harm or abuse;
- evidence by expert testimony regarding the common pattern in abusive relationships; the nature and effects of physical, sexual or psychological abuse and typical responses thereto, including how those effects relate to the perception of the imminent nature of the threat of death or serious bodily harm; the relevant facts and circumstances which form the basis for such opinion; and evidence whether the defendant displayed characteristics common to victims of abuse.
Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to preclude the introduction of evidence or expert testimony as described in clause (a) or (b) in any civil or criminal action where such evidence or expert testimony is otherwise now admissible.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 233 § 23F
Use of Force in Defense of Others
Defense of third party laws allow an individual to use force, including deadly force, to protect another person from harm. These laws generally permit intervention if the third party would have had the right to use force in their own self-defense under the same circumstances. The exact application of these laws will vary by jurisdiction, so it is important to understand the framework of each individual state. Â
Use of Force in Defense of Habitation
The term "castle doctrine" comes from English common law providing that one's abode is a special area in which one enjoys certain protections and immunities, from which one is not obligated to retreat before defending oneself against attack, and in which one may do so without fear of prosecution.  Â
Many states have instituted castle doctrine laws, with varying degrees of formality. Some states have statutorily enacted castle doctrine laws, some have judicially-created protections (called “common laws”), while others have no amplified protections in the home at all.Â
In the prosecution of a person who is an occupant of a dwelling charged with killing or injuring one who was unlawfully in said dwelling, it shall be a defense that the occupant was in his dwelling at the time of the offense and that he acted in the reasonable belief that the person unlawfully in said dwelling was about to inflict great bodily injury or death upon said occupant or upon another person lawfully in said dwelling, and that said occupant used reasonable means to defend himself or such other person lawfully in said dwelling. There shall be no duty on said occupant to retreat from such person unlawfully in said dwelling.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 278 § 8A
Use of Force in Defense of Property
Generally speaking, the use of deadly force is limited to circumstances that reasonably present an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death of a human being. As such, using deadly force in defense of mere personal property is almost categorically prohibited. Although most states will allow the use of some amount of force (i.e. physically restraining someone until the police arrive), the use or threatened use of deadly force in defense of mere property is generally not permitted.Â
Instructions No. 9.260.
Self-Defense Immunity
COMING SOON!
Duty to Retreat
A duty to retreat is an obligation to flee that is imposed upon a civilian who is under attack. If applicable, it applies to the victim of unlawful force prior to their ability to use deadly force to defend him or herself. The duty to retreat makes self-defense unavailable to those who use deadly force when they could have retreated from the confrontation safely. The alternative to duty-to-retreat laws is no-duty-to-retreat laws or stand-your-ground laws as they’re commonly called. Stand-your-ground states impose no duty to flee upon victims and instead state that one can stand their ground and meet force with force, under certain situations.Â
Self-Defense Limitations
COMING SOON!
Use of Force Considerations
COMING SOON!
Use of Force Against Animals
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, $ 156; Commonwealth v. Linhares, 957 N.E.2d 243 (Mass. App. Ct. 2011)
Cases to Watch
COMING SOON!