[ClearCase_guy]

Varies by state, I believe. In MA, if a gang-banger breaks into your home and if you are in fear of your life, I think you are obligated to flee if at all possible. Pulling a gun on the guy who may be about to kill you, can get you into hot water with the local authorities.

[GeorgiaDawg32]

2 things:

1) When seconds count between life and death, the police are only minutes away, and

2) Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6

[Just another Joe]

Pulling a gun on the guy who may be about to kill you, can get you into hot water with the local authorities.

Rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.
I do understand the thrust of your post though.

[PeterFinn]

Massachussetts is quite the anachronism, it is the birthplace of the Second Amendment and they utterly ignore their birthright.

[Ramius]

I think you are obligated to flee if at all possible.

I googled around a bit and it appears that MA does have a "castle doctrine" law. I'm not sure when they got it.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Pulling a gun on the guy who may be about to kill you, can get you into hot water with the local authorities.

Especially if the firearm isn't properly registered. Then it's one year in prison. Mandatory.

Gad, I hate this state.

[paulcissa]

This is true where I live in NJ. You are required by law to retreat in the face of danger if at all possible. "Possible" is defined by the whores in Trenton who choose to write these laws so they can be interpreted as required to meet any agenda they choose.

I would choose to shoot first (read: protect my family), consult my attorney later.