What is "home" for self defense laws

[NPSLE]

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 --

 

[Bud Helms]

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.

 

[OJ]

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.

 

[BillCA]

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.