By Barron Greenwalt, June 18, 2025

In recent years, Pennsylvania has seen its share of political violence, protests, and social upheavals. From heated demonstrations in city streets to tense confrontations in communities, these events can leave residents feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their safety. As a Pennsylvanian, I believe it’s critical for every citizen to understand their legal rights to self-defense, especially when tensions run high. There’s an old saying I hold close: “It is better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.” In other words, when your life is on the line, survival comes first—even if it means facing legal scrutiny later. Here’s what you need to know about Pennsylvania’s Castle Doctrine and how it applies to protecting yourself in dangerous situations.

What is the Castle Doctrine?

Pennsylvania’s self-defense laws, outlined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 505, include what’s commonly called the Castle Doctrine. This legal principle recognizes that your home, vehicle, or place of work is your “castle”—a place where you have the right to feel safe and defend yourself against threats. The Castle Doctrine allows you to use force, including deadly force, under specific circumstances without the obligation to retreat.

Here’s the key takeaway: If someone is unlawfully and forcibly entering (or attempting to enter) your occupied home or vehicle, the law presumes you have a reasonable belief that you’re in imminent danger of death, serious bodily injury, kidnapping, or sexual assault. In these situations, you may be legally justified in using deadly force to protect yourself.

Why This Matters Now

With political protests, riots, and unrest becoming more frequent, Pennsylvanians may find themselves in situations where they feel threatened—whether at home, in their car, or even at their workplace. Imagine you’re stuck in traffic during a heated demonstration, and someone starts smashing your car window, trying to get in. Or picture a scenario where a group breaks into your home during a chaotic night of unrest in your neighborhood. These are frightening but real possibilities in today’s climate.

The Castle Doctrine is especially relevant in these scenarios because it extends to your vehicle as well as your home. If someone is trying to forcibly enter your car and you reasonably believe they intend to harm you, you have the right to defend yourself—potentially with deadly force—without needing to try to escape first.

When Can You Use Deadly Force?

Pennsylvania’s law is clear but nuanced. To use deadly force legally, the following conditions generally apply:

• Unlawful and Forcible Entry: The intruder must be actively attempting to enter your home, vehicle, or workplace in an unlawful and forceful way. For example, someone cracking your car window to gain access could qualify, especially if their actions suggest intent to harm you.
• Reasonable Belief of Danger: You must reasonably believe that you or others are in immediate danger of death, serious bodily injury, kidnapping, or sexual assault. This is subjective but must be grounded in the specific circumstances—like the intruder wielding a weapon, making threats, or acting aggressively.
• No Duty to Retreat: In your home or occupied vehicle, you’re not required to try to flee before using force. This is a key feature of the Castle Doctrine, distinguishing it from self-defense laws in some other states.

However, the law isn’t a blank check. If the threat doesn’t rise to the level of imminent danger (e.g., someone is vandalizing your property but not trying to enter or harm you), deadly force may not be justified. Courts will closely examine whether your response was proportionate to the threat. For instance, shooting someone who’s merely throwing rocks at your car without attempting to enter could land you in serious legal trouble.

The Reality of Political Violence in Pennsylvania

Political unrest in Pennsylvania isn’t just hypothetical. From protests in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to smaller demonstrations in suburban and rural areas, tensions can escalate quickly. In 2020, for example, Pennsylvania saw widespread protests following national events, some of which turned violent, with property damage and confrontations reported. More recently, polarized political climates have fueled concerns about safety during public gatherings or unexpected encounters.

As a Pennsylvania resident, I’ve watched these events unfold and felt the unease they bring. Whether you’re caught in a protest while driving or worried about your home during a local upheaval, knowing your rights can make all the difference. The Castle Doctrine empowers you to protect yourself, but it also demands responsibility. You must act reasonably and within the law to avoid devastating consequences.

“Judged by Twelve, Not Carried by Six”

The saying “It is better to be judged by twelve than carried by six” resonates deeply in these uncertain times. It reflects a hard truth: When your life is at stake, survival is the priority. Facing a jury of twelve for your actions is far better than being carried to your grave by six pallbearers. But this mindset comes with a heavy responsibility. Using deadly force is a last resort, and you must be prepared to justify your actions to law enforcement, prosecutors, and potentially a court.

If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve used force to defend yourself, stay calm and seek legal counsel immediately. Pennsylvania’s Castle Doctrine provides strong protections, but self-defense cases are fact-specific. Police will investigate, and prosecutors will scrutinize whether your fear was reasonable and your response proportionate. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate this process and protect your rights.

Staying Safe and Informed

While the Castle Doctrine offers legal protections, the best defense is often prevention. Here are a few practical tips to stay safe during times of unrest:

• Avoid high-risk areas: If you know a protest or demonstration is planned, try to steer clear unless necessary.
• Secure your home and vehicle: Keep doors locked, windows up, and be aware of your surroundings.
• De-escalate when possible: If you can safely leave a threatening situation (e.g., driving away from a confrontation), do so to avoid escalation.
• Know the law: Familiarize yourself with 18 Pa.C.S. § 505 and consult a legal professional for specific advice.

Final Thoughts

As Pennsylvanians, we have the right to feel safe in our homes and vehicles, especially during turbulent times. The Castle Doctrine is a powerful tool to protect yourself and your loved ones, but it comes with the responsibility to act reasonably and within the law. In a world where political violence and unrest are all too common, understanding your rights could save your life. As I believe, it’s better to face judgment for defending yourself than to lose your life to an avoidable threat. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay safe.

Note: This post is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. If you have questions about self-defense laws or face a specific situation, consult a qualified attorney.