What is "home" for self defense laws

NPSLE

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I am somewhat familiar with the legal “rules of engagement” for home defense, such as inside a dwelling you are covered by the law but you may not pursue an intruder into your yard. Here’s the question: what counts as a “home” – does a motor home count? A trailer? I believe I’ve been told a tent is considered a home and so could be defended with a firearm; I am guessing that a 22-foot motor home would have the same standing. Sorry if this is a too-often discussed subject. Thanks to all.

McIntyre --
 
My immediate reaction would be that the definition probably varies from state to state.

On the other hand, I'd expect variations within a given jurisdiction, based on whether "home" is an apartment, a dorm room, a single family dwelling, and whether you are the property tax payer. i.e., owner, or not.

Actually it's not discussed as often as you may think.

Good topic.
 
My immediate reaction would be that the definition probably varies from state to state.

I'm sure that's correct. Living in Colorado but being a frequent visitor to New Mexico, I found NM had one of the most interesting laws about carrying a handgun in a car - before they passed a concealed carry law. Legally, your car was considered an extension of your home and, while concealed carry wasn't legally sanctioned, having a gun in your car was OK because having a gun in your home was legal. It wasn't defined how you legally got the gun from your home to your car - the legal extension of your home - but I guess the distance from your home to your car must have been part of that "extension".

Go figure - only a politician in a legislature could have come up with that idea without making concealed carry legal.:rolleyes:
 
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It does vary from state to state, so get to know the laws in your state and any states where you plan to spend time.

In a lot of states, "home" can be wherever you are living, even if it is temporary, such as a tent, hotel room or RV. For instance, if the state requires you attempt to retreat from danger in your home, it will probably apply the same principle to a hotel room or your RV.

You may actually have more leeway with a tent, tent-trailer or the like with regards to exiting the shelter. It can be argued that remaining in a small area with zero protection endangers you more than being able to move around and/or hide behind a suitable tree.
 
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