The fundamental concept of the castle doctrine is that individuals have the right to protect themselves against an intruder in their homes, they have the right to use reasonable force, including fatal force if necessary. Some states use the term “the Make My Day” law, named for “Dirty” Harry Calahan, played by Clint Eastwood, in the movie “Sudden Impact”.
A variety of states have implemented this doctrine with added principles, which made the similar “stand your ground” law, which gives individuals the right to use fatal force in public spaces when the certain circumstances present themselves, even if they have an option to retreat safely. Let’s take a look at each state that has this law and how they differ from state to state.
Alaska
In Alaska, individuals are allowed to openly carry handguns and long guns.
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_1-1024x576.jpg)
The state has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it perfectly legal to carry a weapon in a public place even without a permit.
Alabama
Alabama residents are allowed to open carry handguns and long guns,
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_2-1024x576.jpg)
The state also has a permitless concealed carry law that allows people to carry a weapon in public legally.
Arizona
Arizona is another state that allows the open carry of handguns and long guns.
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_3-1024x576.jpg)
With it being legal to openly carry in public without a permit.
Arkansas
Arkansas is a part of the open carry group, allowing people to carry handguns and long guns legally
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_4-1024x576.jpg)
As well as having a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit.
Georgia
No need to have a conceal to carry permit in Georgia
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_5-1024x576.jpg)
The state allows open carry of handguns and longuns, in any public space without a permit.
Florida
In Florida, the open carry of handguns and long guns is prohibited.
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_6-1024x576.jpg)
However the state does have a permitless concealed carry law that allows individuals to openly carry without having a permit.
Idaho
In the state of Idaho individuals are allowed to open carry
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_7-1024x576.jpg)
No permit is needed to open carry in public.
Iowa
Iowa is another state that allows the open carry of handguns and long guns.
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_8-1024x576.jpg)
With it being legal to openly carry in public without a permit.
Indiana
Indiana is a state that requires a permit for the open carry of handguns but doesn’t require a permit for the open carry of long guns.
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_9-1024x576.jpg)
It also has a permitless concealed carry law, making it legal to carry a weapon without any permits.
Kansas
Kansas allows the open carry of handguns and long guns
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_10-1024x576.jpg)
and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit.
Kentucky
The state of Kentucky has a open carry of handguns and long guns law
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_11-1024x576.jpg)
Allowing for residents to carry openly in public spaces without having a permit.
Louisiana
There is a law in Louisiana that allows for the open carry of handguns and long guns
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_12-1024x576.jpg)
The law is permitless and applicable in public.
Mississippi
In the state of Mississippi you are allowed to openly carry both handguns and long guns without a permit
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_13-1024x576.jpg)
This law extends to public spaces.
Michigan
Michigan also permits individuals to openly carry without a permit
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_14-1024x576.jpg)
Regardless of where they are they are allowed to openly carry with no permit needed.
Missouri
Missouri allows the open carry of handguns and long guns,
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_15-1024x576.jpg)
and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit.
Montana
Montana permits the open carry of handguns and long guns.
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_16-1024x576.jpg)
Additionally, the state has enacted permitless concealed carry legislation, allowing people to carry weapons in public spaces without a permit.
New Hampshire
The state of New Hampshire allows the open carry of handguns and long guns
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_17-1024x576.jpg)
With a permitless concealed car law, making it perfectly legal for people to carry a weapon in public spaces no permit needed.
North Dakota
In North Dakota, individuals are permitted to openly carry long guns and handguns.
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_18-1024x576.jpg)
They are also allowed to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
Nevada
Nevada permits the open carry of long guns and handguns
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_19-1024x576.jpg)
In addition, the state has a concealed carry law that makes it illegal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit.
North Carolina
Individuals in North Carolina are allowed to openly carry handguns and long guns
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_20-1024x576.jpg)
They are also allowed to carry concealed weapons in public without the permit.
Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, the state permits open carry of both handguns and long guns
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_21-1024x576.jpg)
Additionally the state also allows concealed carry in public spaces.
Ohio
Ohio allows the open carry of handguns and long guns
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_22-1024x576.jpg)
and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania permits individuals to openly carry handguns and long guns
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_23-1024x576.jpg)
The state also has a concealed carry law that makes it illegal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit.
South Dakota
The state of South Dakota will allow you to openly carry a weapon
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_24-1024x576.jpg)
You can also conceal a weapon and carry it without having any kind of permit.
South Carolina
South Carolina mandates a permit to openly carry a handgun, however you are allowed to carry a long gun without a permit.
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_25-1024x576.jpg)
It is however illegal to carry a concealed weapon in public without the proper permit.
Texas
In the state of Texas it is legal to carry openly without permits
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_26-1024x576.jpg)
Both concealed and open carry laws allow for people to carry their weapons however they are comfortable without permits.
Tennessee
Tennessee allows the open carry of handguns and long guns
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_27-1024x576.jpg)
and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit.
Utah
Utah allows the open carry of handguns and long guns
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_28-1024x576.jpg)
and has a permitless concealed carry law that makes it legal to carry a weapon in public places without a permit.
Wyoming
The state of Wyoming has enacted laws that allow individuals to openly carry both handguns and long guns
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_29-1024x576.jpg)
Furthermore you are allowed to conceal and carry in public areas without a permit.
West Virginia
The state of West Virginia has implemented laws that allow individuals to carry openly
![](https://historyenhanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ShootFirstLaw_image_30-1024x576.jpg)
As well as carry concealed weapons without a permit.