CASTLE DOCTRINE

castle doctrine.Criminal law. An exception to the retreat rule allowing the use of deadly force by a person who is protecting his or her home and its inhabitants from attack, esp. from a trespasser who intends to commit a felony or inflict serious bodily harm. — Also termed dwelling defense; defense of habitation. See RETREAT RULE. [Cases: Homicide  747, 760.] [Blacks Law 8th]