When Self-Defense Is Justified

TCA §39-11-611 addresses the use of deadly force for self-defense.

• Section 39-11-611(b): If you are not engaged in unlawful activity and you are in a place where you have a right to be, you have no duty to retreat before you threaten or use deadly force if:
  • You have a reasonable belief that there is imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury and…
  • The danger that is creating the belief of imminent death or serious bodily injury is real or honestly believed to be real at the time and…
  • The belief of danger is founded upon reasonable grounds.
• Section 39-11-611(c): If you use deadly force within a residence, business, dwelling, or vehicle, you are presumed to have held a reasonable belief of imminent death or serious bodily injury to yourself, your family, a member of your household, or a person visiting you as an invited guest when:
  • You use force against another person who unlawfully and forcibly enters or has entered the residence, business, dwelling, or vehicle and…
  • You know or have reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry occurred.