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Tennessee Expands Stand-Your-Ground to Property, Dropping Murder Charges

8/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Tennessee enacted a law expanding “stand your ground” to permit lethal force to protect property including a lawnmower or bicycle.
The provision replaces a rule that barred defense of belongings.
Missouri prosecutor Melesa Johnson said the law forced her office to drop murder charges in a 2024 shootout and to decline twice as many homicide prosecutions since 2016.
Critics claim the broader deadly-force right has spurred higher homicide rates.

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Story summary

Tennessee enacted a law expanding “stand your ground” to permit lethal force to protect property including a lawnmower or bicycle.
The provision replaces a rule that barred defense of belongings.
Missouri prosecutor Melesa Johnson said the law forced her office to drop murder charges in a 2024 shootout and to decline twice as many homicide prosecutions since 2016.
Critics claim the broader deadly-force right has spurred higher homicide rates.