Tennessee Goes All In On Self-Defense

Published on April 23, 2026
Duration: 8:47

This video analyzes Tennessee Senate Bill 1847, which proposes a significant expansion of the right to use lethal force in self-defense, specifically for the protection of property. The bill, if enacted, would amend Tennessee Annotated Code Section 39-11-614, allowing deadly force to prevent or terminate trespass, arson, property damage, burglary, theft, robbery, or aggravated cruelty to animals under certain conditions. The speaker, William Kirk of Washington Gun Law, discusses the implications and poses questions about the appropriateness of such expanded rights.

Quick Summary

Tennessee Senate Bill 1847 proposes a significant expansion of self-defense laws, allowing the use of lethal force to protect property. If enacted, it would permit deadly force to prevent or terminate trespass, arson, theft, burglary, and other property crimes under specific conditions, provided non-deadly force is insufficient or poses a risk of serious injury.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Location
  2. 00:17Tennessee Legislature's Actions
  3. 00:32Bill to Expand Lethal Force for Property
  4. 01:04Senate Bill 1847 Overview
  5. 01:32Expanding Lethal Force for Property Defense
  6. 02:10House Bill 1802 Comparison
  7. 02:31Amending Tennessee Annotated Code 39-11-614
  8. 02:52Current Law on Property Defense Force
  9. 03:24Proposed Changes in SB 1847
  10. 04:03Conditions for Justified Deadly Force
  11. 04:30Exception: Not Shooting in the Back
  12. 04:53House vs. Senate Bill Differences
  13. 05:08Senate Floor Debate
  14. 05:21Standard Lethal Force Instances
  15. 05:44Is Lethal Force for Property Too Far?
  16. 06:02Logical Considerations
  17. 06:31Bill Status and Resources
  18. 07:11Responsible Gun Ownership
  19. 07:32Legal Defense Hotline Information
  20. 08:33ProtectWithBear.com Promo

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tennessee Senate Bill 1847?

Tennessee Senate Bill 1847, which has passed the state Senate and is moving to the House, proposes to significantly expand the right to use lethal force in self-defense, specifically for the protection of property. It would amend existing law to allow deadly force in situations like preventing trespass, arson, or theft under certain conditions.

How does SB 1847 change current Tennessee law on property defense?

Currently, Tennessee law prohibits using deadly force solely to defend property. SB 1847 would allow justified use of deadly force if reasonably believed necessary to prevent or terminate trespass, arson, property damage, burglary, theft, robbery, or aggravated cruelty to animals, provided other means are insufficient or non-deadly force poses a risk of death or serious injury.

Are there any limitations on using lethal force under SB 1847?

Yes, Senate Bill 1847 includes an exception stating that a person is not justified in using deadly force if the individual is facing away from them. This is often interpreted as a prohibition against shooting someone in the back.

What is the difference between the Senate and House bills regarding property defense?

The House of Representatives has a similar bill, House Bill 1802, but it is described as a significantly watered-down version compared to the more expansive Senate Bill 1847. The Senate bill has already passed its chamber and is now proceeding to the House.

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