In which situation is a person not required to retreat to use deadly physical force?

A person is not required to retreat to use deadly physical force when they are in their own dwelling due to the legal principle known as "castle doctrine." This doctrine asserts that individuals have the right to defend their homes against intruders or threats without the obligation to retreat first. The rationale behind this is that a person's home is considered a place where they have a legal right to feel safe and secure; therefore, they are justified in using force, including deadly force, if they perceive a threat to their safety or that of others in their home.

In contrast, in public places, individuals may be expected to seek safety or retreat if possible before using deadly physical force. The same applies to generalized threats; the perception of a threat alone does not justify the use of deadly physical force unless there is immediate danger that requires such a response. In a state of emergency, while various laws may apply, this does not inherently remove the obligation to retreat depending on the specifics of the situation.