Book Review: Self-Defense Laws of All 50 States

posted on November 8, 2010
2010118112327-sdlaws_m.jpg

The Supreme Court’s opinion in District of Columbia v. Heller explains that self-defense is “the central component” of the right to keep and bear arms. Yet knowledge of the right to self-defense does not explain when or how those arms may be lawfully used for this purpose. Into this void step Utah attorney Mitch Vilos and son Evan Vilos, research assistant, with Self-Defense Laws Of All 50 States. As the title implies, the 6"x9", 556-pp. softcover book identifies and explains each state’s relevant laws, with an emphasis on translating legal mumbo jumbo into plain, understandable English.

Topics include “Defense of Third Persons,” “Duty (or No Duty) to Retreat,” “Responsibility to Innocent Third Parties,” and “Civil Liability,” among others. Each concept is explained in an overview, with additional details in the sections for each state. Helpful illustrations and anecdotes illustrate key concepts such as “castle doctrine,” “reasonable necessity,” and “serious bodily injury.”

While knowledge of general concepts can help a person avoid legal trouble, the devil is often in the details for those who actually find themselves defending their freedom or finances in court. Inclusion of the legal language also highlights ambiguities of which responsible gun owners should be aware.

Mitch Vilos also provides readers with experience and insights from his practice as a trial attorney by explaining what he calls “Thumbs-Up” and “Thumbs-Down” factors that aren’t codified into law but that tend to sway a case’s outcome.

While no one book can capture all the nuances of American self-defense law, the Viloses have done an admirable job of compiling a helpful, entertaining, and practical overview that is refreshingly sympathetic to the concept of armed self-defense.

For more information, go to firearmslaw.com or contact Guns West Publishing (801) 295-3340. Price: $29.95.

Latest

Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical
Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical

Review: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical

This evaluation examines the version of Rock River's Tactical Carbine, in .22 Long Rifle, equipped with aluminum upper and lower receivers and a non-folding, length-adjustable stock.

The Armed Citizen® April 7, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Future Of The Brass Cartridge Case

Advances in technology and manufacturing are ushering in radical changes in cartridge case design. It may not be an extinction event on the horizon for the readily reloaded, one-piece brass version, but the times are changing—fast.

New For 2025: Browning X-Bolt 2 Hunter Composite

Superb as the original remains, Browning nonetheless found a few areas for improvement within its X-Bolt platform, which it has addressed by offering several second-generation models—including the Hunter Composite seen here.

New For 2025: Heckler & Koch G36 .22 LR

Characterized by Heckler & Koch as "the most realistic civilian version of the G36 yet," a .22 Long Rifle-chambered variant of the popular and elusive G36 is now available to American firearm enthusiasts.

Preview: SOG Kukri Machete

The SOG Kukri Machete is well-suited to clearing away brush and small limbs despite its relatively compact size.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.