Minnesota Supreme Court Changes States’ Self-Defense Laws

Sometimes, court cases that don’t directly affect guns can have wide-ranging implications on Second Amendment rights.

That’s exactly the situation that arose in Minnesota last week. In a contentious decision, the Minnesota Supreme Court voted 4-2 to greatly increase the burden on defendants in self-defense cases.

The two dissenting judges called the ruling “unprecedented in American history.” Here’s the full story.

Minnesota Supreme Court Tightens State’s Self-Defense Laws

The ruling involves a legal theory called “duty to retreat.” Under this rule, someone must try to flee from an attacker before they may use deadly force against them.

Now, the victim of an attack must attempt to flee before brandishing a weapon. Critics of the ruling – including two of the judges who sit on the court – have said that this process runs counter to the human self-preservation instinct. Regardless, it’s currently law, and everyone in Minnesota who wants to defend themselves must first attempt to flee.

Facts of the Case

In June of 2021, Minneapolis resident Earley Romero Blevins was riding on the light rail when he got into an altercation with two other passengers. One of the passengers brandished a knife and told Blevins to meet him outside of the view of the light rail’s security cameras to “slit his throat.”

In response, Blevins brandished a machete and began swinging it at the two other passengers. Video cameras showed that he had space behind him to retreat, but kept intimidating his aggressors with the machete.

After the incident, Blevins was arrested. During a trial in 2022, he was convicted of second-degree assault and served 39 months in jail. He appealed his case all the way to the Minnesota Supreme Court, which ruled on it last week.

Context

Self-defense laws in Minnesota were much more forgiving before this ruling. Prior to the court’s decision, a citizen didn’t need to retreat before brandishing their weapon. Instead, they could draw their weapon including guns, then retreat, then use it if necessary.

That’s no longer the case. In light of the Minnesota Supreme Court’s decision, Minnesota residents will need to attempt to retreat before they can even display a weapon.

The Big Picture

This case is going to have a huge impact on Minnesota residents. With this ruling, the state’s self-defense laws will become some of the strictest in the country. Even California, one of the least gun-friendly states in the country, doesn’t require residents to retreat if they’re being threatened.

If you’re a Minnesota resident who carries a gun, you need to be aware of this new law. If you’re not, you could find yourself in jail – even if you’re the victim of an attack. Stay safe out there.