What do you think?
Rate this book
The Law of Self Defense: The Indispensable Guide to the Armed Citizen
The world is a dangerous place. That's why you're prepared to protect yourself and your loved ones. Now arm yourself for the legal battle that happens after an attack. The first fight is for your life – the second for your liberty.
FREE BONUS: Download our FREE REPORT "Top 10 Self-Defense Legal Blunders" (lawofselfdefense.com/freereport)
FREE VIDEO BONUS: Watch the weekly "Law of Self Defense LIVE Show" every Wednesday, 2PM Eastern (lawofselfdefense.com/show)
Andrew F. Branca, the renowned expert in self-defense law, teaches you how to make quick, effective, legally appropriate decisions in life-and-death situations. His easy-to-understand analysis thoroughly covers the laws of all fifty states. Key legal principles are illustrated with interesting, sometimes heart-wrenching, true life examples of people defending themselves, and how their decisions helped, hurt, or even destroyed their case.
This thoroughly updated third edition includes an all new chapter on interacting with the police, including what to say (or not say!) to 911, first responders, and detectives.
Don't be a victim. Stay safe from both the physical attack and the legal aftermath. This book, with a foreword by legendary use-of-force expert Massad Ayoob, will teach you the powerful legal truth that protects your life, wealth, and freedom.
FREE BONUS: Download our FREE REPORT "Top 10 Self-Defense Legal Blunders" (lawofselfdefense.com/freereport)
FREE VIDEO BONUS: Watch the weekly "Law of Self Defense LIVE Show" every Wednesday, 2PM Eastern (lawofselfdefense.com/show)
Andrew F. Branca, the renowned expert in self-defense law, teaches you how to make quick, effective, legally appropriate decisions in life-and-death situations. His easy-to-understand analysis thoroughly covers the laws of all fifty states. Key legal principles are illustrated with interesting, sometimes heart-wrenching, true life examples of people defending themselves, and how their decisions helped, hurt, or even destroyed their case.
This thoroughly updated third edition includes an all new chapter on interacting with the police, including what to say (or not say!) to 911, first responders, and detectives.
Don't be a victim. Stay safe from both the physical attack and the legal aftermath. This book, with a foreword by legendary use-of-force expert Massad Ayoob, will teach you the powerful legal truth that protects your life, wealth, and freedom.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2013
332 people are currently reading
504 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 26, 2021
This is THE book to own, read, re-read, highlight, note, sign, and date when it comes to the legal aspect of self-defense. Branca makes it very easy to understand with just enough legal language to really get the points across when he needs to and that's to establish an understanding in your mind of what you're facing if the worst comes to worst.
This isn't a legal loophole book that gives a wink and a nod to the reader. In fact, Branca comes from a consulting and defense side of things and his experience shows that most people run afoul of the right to self-defense claims and not just from misunderstanding. He really hammers the point about how adversarial the legal process is and that comes to not talking to police, consulting a lawyer, and being careful of overzealous prosecutors. The assumption with all of those being that you don't actually want to kill anyone, don't engage in regular illegal activities that puts one in the situation often, and that you're a normal person who may not have thought about in what way you could legally claim self-defense.
Branca does just a splendid job of covering all the different aspects to ensure you have the ability to claim self-defense if you're ever put into the situation. The end chapters summaries also is a nice, quick reference to the main points of the chapter which are really nice to thumb through after finishing. I've been really impressed with his legal analysis videos online and the book really shows that he's not only knowledgeable but also passionate and invested in helping people take a second look (or first) at this God given right to self-defense. Highly recommend the book and Mr. Branca as well. Final Grade A+
This isn't a legal loophole book that gives a wink and a nod to the reader. In fact, Branca comes from a consulting and defense side of things and his experience shows that most people run afoul of the right to self-defense claims and not just from misunderstanding. He really hammers the point about how adversarial the legal process is and that comes to not talking to police, consulting a lawyer, and being careful of overzealous prosecutors. The assumption with all of those being that you don't actually want to kill anyone, don't engage in regular illegal activities that puts one in the situation often, and that you're a normal person who may not have thought about in what way you could legally claim self-defense.
Branca does just a splendid job of covering all the different aspects to ensure you have the ability to claim self-defense if you're ever put into the situation. The end chapters summaries also is a nice, quick reference to the main points of the chapter which are really nice to thumb through after finishing. I've been really impressed with his legal analysis videos online and the book really shows that he's not only knowledgeable but also passionate and invested in helping people take a second look (or first) at this God given right to self-defense. Highly recommend the book and Mr. Branca as well. Final Grade A+
February 24, 2014
This is a book I'll be reading over and over again. Additionally, it is going on my "must read" list for my CCW students. Everyone who has even considered carrying a gun for self defense MUST read this book. I found it easy to read and informative, not full of a bunch of legal goobley-gook that no one understands.
If you, it anyone you know, carries for self defense, please do yourself a favor and read this book.
If you, it anyone you know, carries for self defense, please do yourself a favor and read this book.
October 3, 2015
Satisfied newbie
Thought provoking, organized, easy to follow with actual real life situations and descriptions. As someone considering self defense measures, very happy I read this to help clarify my views
Thought provoking, organized, easy to follow with actual real life situations and descriptions. As someone considering self defense measures, very happy I read this to help clarify my views
July 6, 2021
Absolutely, 100%, must-read book for all responsible gun-owners. Scratch that, for just about anyone needing to know what happens in the legal aftermath of a deadly-force confrontation, even if no guns were involved.
Quick story: I moved to Pennsylvania from New Jersey last year (2020) during the pandemic. At the time, there was a lot of talk about defunding the police, constant footage of riots, people taking over government buildings, etc. Oh, it was also a very heated election year. This had the effect such that it made a lot of people concerned...
Fact: New Jersey is not very gun-friendly
Fact: Pennsylvania is a VERY gun-friendly state.
Fact: PA is an open-carry state, meaning you don't need a permit to buy nor carry a weapon in the open
Fact: it takes two weeks to acquire a CCW (concealed-carry weapon) permit, without any training, or testing required
Fact: people in PA (and the rest of the US in general) buy guns when they are concerned.
Fact: there were 5 million new gun-owners in 2020, that's approx. 13,700 new people buying guns, every day.
Fact: I go to a shooting range regularly (sport)
Fact: I see a lot of people at the range with very poor gun manners, and the wrong idea of what a CCW permit allows them to do
Fact: This book did not sell 5 million copies last year, also. Hmmm...
Andrew Branca's book provides eye-opening, readable, actionable information regarding self-defense law. It is not a book that will teach you special techniques, its main purpose is to keep you out of trouble in the unfortunate event you should ever have to use force to defend yourself or others. Heck, it will keep you out of trouble even if force is not necessary (i.e. do you think it is as easy as just brandishing your weapon in an altercation in order to end it?)
It outlines the five elements that must be present for one to use deadly-force legally:
1. Innocence
2. Imminence
3. Proportionality
4. Avoidance
5. Reasonableness
Each of these is clearly defined with the differences between extremes in the different States in the Union. What's better, Branca provides excerpts from actual cases that illustrate each point and breaks each case down in terms of what went right and wrong.
I read it in preparation for a class I attended with the USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association). Everything the instructors went over that day was in accordance with Branca's principles and I wish more CCW permit holders would take their time to read it.
Quick story: I moved to Pennsylvania from New Jersey last year (2020) during the pandemic. At the time, there was a lot of talk about defunding the police, constant footage of riots, people taking over government buildings, etc. Oh, it was also a very heated election year. This had the effect such that it made a lot of people concerned...
Fact: New Jersey is not very gun-friendly
Fact: Pennsylvania is a VERY gun-friendly state.
Fact: PA is an open-carry state, meaning you don't need a permit to buy nor carry a weapon in the open
Fact: it takes two weeks to acquire a CCW (concealed-carry weapon) permit, without any training, or testing required
Fact: people in PA (and the rest of the US in general) buy guns when they are concerned.
Fact: there were 5 million new gun-owners in 2020, that's approx. 13,700 new people buying guns, every day.
Fact: I go to a shooting range regularly (sport)
Fact: I see a lot of people at the range with very poor gun manners, and the wrong idea of what a CCW permit allows them to do
Fact: This book did not sell 5 million copies last year, also. Hmmm...
Andrew Branca's book provides eye-opening, readable, actionable information regarding self-defense law. It is not a book that will teach you special techniques, its main purpose is to keep you out of trouble in the unfortunate event you should ever have to use force to defend yourself or others. Heck, it will keep you out of trouble even if force is not necessary (i.e. do you think it is as easy as just brandishing your weapon in an altercation in order to end it?)
It outlines the five elements that must be present for one to use deadly-force legally:
1. Innocence
2. Imminence
3. Proportionality
4. Avoidance
5. Reasonableness
Each of these is clearly defined with the differences between extremes in the different States in the Union. What's better, Branca provides excerpts from actual cases that illustrate each point and breaks each case down in terms of what went right and wrong.
I read it in preparation for a class I attended with the USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association). Everything the instructors went over that day was in accordance with Branca's principles and I wish more CCW permit holders would take their time to read it.
October 28, 2015
I believe this is one of very few books I can reasonably leave a 5 star rating for. I appreciate it's premise being to avoid, retreat, and if all else fails defend yourself at last resort. It's very well written to be digestible by the layperson who may have less education then what's required to read gun laws at face value. Each section has state-specific information as of it's publishing in 2013, so you can have better knowledge to base a defensive plan upon. It's a realistic book that is well informed on the legal framework of maintaining a dependable self-defense case, and gives examples of how mistakes are avoided. This is an excellent first book to build a foundation for legal self-defense.
December 22, 2020
I actually "read" the abridged version called "Law of Self Defense Principles" which is available (on the Law of Self Defense website) in print or audiobook format. I had both but listened to the audiobook. It is spot on.
I happen to have graduated from law school, so I can't say exactly how a non-lawyer would feel about this book. But, it does seem to give the pertinent legal details in the most easily understandable way.
I don't know Branca, but based on my own legal education, he seems to know the law. He clearly knows the details way better than I, and I trust what he has written.
I happen to have graduated from law school, so I can't say exactly how a non-lawyer would feel about this book. But, it does seem to give the pertinent legal details in the most easily understandable way.
I don't know Branca, but based on my own legal education, he seems to know the law. He clearly knows the details way better than I, and I trust what he has written.
October 17, 2018
An excellent overview, and summary of the laws by state as regard self defense.
Highly recommended for all those who carry a firearm for defense of self and loved ones.
Worth revisiting periodically, including those of us who have been trained and spent a career in law enforcement.
Highly recommended for all those who carry a firearm for defense of self and loved ones.
Worth revisiting periodically, including those of us who have been trained and spent a career in law enforcement.
January 31, 2020
Really good legal information on use of force and self defense. Not great writing, and the kindle version is full of typos. But the information is well presented and essential for anyone interested in CCW.
August 5, 2020
Very good book for what it is - a short and simple guide to the law of self-defense. This book breaks down the legal issues that come into play for someone claiming self-defense. Andrew Branca breaks the issues down to very understandable chunks. He mostly covers defense of your person, but also spends some time on defense of others and defense of property. He concludes each chapter with a summary to reinforce the chapter. The book concludes with a wrap up chapter discussing how to integrate all self-defense elements in an overall strategy. In this chapter Branca offers some really wise advice. This book includes state-by-state appendices covering some specific issues as well. My only two criticisms of this book are: (1) it could stand a good copy editor as there are numerous small grammatical errors; and (2) he makes reference to his website numerous times as if there is information available there, but when I went to look at it, it was all behind a rather expensive paywall. To conclude, this book is essential reading to anyone who carries a firearm. You need to know this information now, not after, any incident.
August 12, 2017
Everyone remotely interested in self-defense (even less than lethal options) should read this book. Rather than focusing on the nuts and bolts of the physical altercation, this book lays out the law for what constitutes a legal use of self defense and provides a good picture of what you can expect from the aftermath of an incident. It gives great descriptions of the elements of self defense and gives case law examples of where those elements were deciding factors. This is very helpful in understanding legal use of force. The book is written to encompass a view of the law which is widely applicable across the country, but makes clear when and where individual states have differences. The extensive appendices break down several components of use of force law for all 50 states.
It's easy to see why Andrew Branca has the reputation as a leading expert on self defense law in America. Legal writing is often difficult to sift through and he does an excellent job of explaining it in terms laymen can understand.
It's easy to see why Andrew Branca has the reputation as a leading expert on self defense law in America. Legal writing is often difficult to sift through and he does an excellent job of explaining it in terms laymen can understand.
July 30, 2017
This book is an excellent discussion of the practical and legal aspects of self-defense. Branca explains the five legal pillars upon which a legitimate claim of self-defense rests, and details each state's variations in the applicable laws. He describes the right way to prepare for a self-defense incident, the considerations during an incident, and what should be done after an incident, in order to give the innocent person the best chances of surviving and being able to go back to his normal life after such an incident.
A particularly interesting point that Branca makes is the discussion of the Tueller test, wherein it was documented that an average person could close 21 feet of distance in approximately 1.5 seconds. This shows that an attacker armed with a knife represents a deadly danger from a much longer range than one might think.
Overall, an excellent and very readable book about a potentially life-and-death topic.
A particularly interesting point that Branca makes is the discussion of the Tueller test, wherein it was documented that an average person could close 21 feet of distance in approximately 1.5 seconds. This shows that an attacker armed with a knife represents a deadly danger from a much longer range than one might think.
Overall, an excellent and very readable book about a potentially life-and-death topic.
February 2, 2020
A New Favorite
Clear and concise, using examples from multiple states. Most of the books I've read about self defense law only give a brief overview, but this one goes the extra mile as to where we can get more information, and has an appendix in the end that shows state specific laws.
I've shared my progress multiple times when reading through this book, bringing up several of the important points most people don't think about when it comes to self defense law. A must read for any serious self defense practitioner.
Clear and concise, using examples from multiple states. Most of the books I've read about self defense law only give a brief overview, but this one goes the extra mile as to where we can get more information, and has an appendix in the end that shows state specific laws.
I've shared my progress multiple times when reading through this book, bringing up several of the important points most people don't think about when it comes to self defense law. A must read for any serious self defense practitioner.
December 30, 2020
The title alone primed me for a dry, lengthy slog of a reading experience, but I was very pleasantly surprised. I read the book from start to finish over about 3 days. Andrew Branca makes what could be an scarily complex topic very easy for a civilian layperson (like myself) to digest. This is thanks to his writing style, use of plain language English, and many real-world examples to illustrate relevant case law. For example, Branca explains how "Stand Your Ground" law works using the infamous case of George Zimmerman shooting Trayvon Martin. Even the appendix is very useful because it details information about self-defense law in all 50 states.
February 11, 2019
This is a much more legally rigorous book than Ayoob's, and a much less self indulgent one. There is still some pretty obvious white privilege in it, unfortunately, but there are real, tangible legal doctrines, case discussions, and extensive nationwide statutory references that are extremely useful. If you are an armed citizen or just want a better understanding of the law in this area - this is definitely a worthy read.
November 24, 2017
EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT
Should be required reading in CCW classes!! Buy it!!!
READ it......several times!!! IN THE GRAVEST EXTREME is another & the first book that continues to
drive me to gain as much knowledge about self defense as I possibly can. Thank you for a practical, enjoyable & educational journey!!!
Should be required reading in CCW classes!! Buy it!!!
READ it......several times!!! IN THE GRAVEST EXTREME is another & the first book that continues to
drive me to gain as much knowledge about self defense as I possibly can. Thank you for a practical, enjoyable & educational journey!!!
December 20, 2021
Must read it you carry...
Sound in theory, workable in practice. It's a huge responsibility to take on the job of defending yourself and your loved ones. This book is a great resource to help you do the job within the bounds of the law. There's a lot of logic, common sense and experience the author brings to the reader. Learn it and live it.
Sound in theory, workable in practice. It's a huge responsibility to take on the job of defending yourself and your loved ones. This book is a great resource to help you do the job within the bounds of the law. There's a lot of logic, common sense and experience the author brings to the reader. Learn it and live it.
January 7, 2022
Comments from a reader
Oh this is not good. It offered some great basic advice about what the law says about self-defense. However, this is very poorly written, there are more grammatical and formatting errors in this book than in an entire elementary school, not good for the author's credibility.
Oh this is not good. It offered some great basic advice about what the law says about self-defense. However, this is very poorly written, there are more grammatical and formatting errors in this book than in an entire elementary school, not good for the author's credibility.
April 9, 2022
As a basic guide to the law of defending oneself or others, this book was very effective and balanced succinctness with thoroughness. The writing suffers from a disruptive amount of grammatical and spelling errors (not just typos). Otherwise, the writing is befitting a guidebook. As the first book I've read on this topic I'm glad I read it and picked up a lot of perspective from it.
April 27, 2019
Well written an excellent start to understanding self defense law.
This book covers the five aspects of self defense that the law looks at it also defines what exactly to do and say after a self defense encounter. I will be buying this book in hard copy for my home library.
This book covers the five aspects of self defense that the law looks at it also defines what exactly to do and say after a self defense encounter. I will be buying this book in hard copy for my home library.
February 26, 2021
A must read for anyone who carries a firearm.
The information contained within is invaluable and written in an engaging style. Also, there are some great tables at the end of the book which runs through self-defense laws in various US states.
Highly recommend.
The information contained within is invaluable and written in an engaging style. Also, there are some great tables at the end of the book which runs through self-defense laws in various US states.
Highly recommend.
April 4, 2023
Valuable information for those who carry a firearm
This book is contains valuable advice for anyone who has or is considering carrying a handgun. It includes a section on laws from all 50 states.
This book is contains valuable advice for anyone who has or is considering carrying a handgun. It includes a section on laws from all 50 states.
April 9, 2023
If you carry a self defense tool, you probably should do a little reading of the legality of using it. The law of self defense doesn’t interest me a whole lot, however, the book was well written and addressed the issues in a systematic way.
Keep the mantle of innocence bro’s.
Keep the mantle of innocence bro’s.
April 26, 2020
EVERYONE who carries a weapon should read this book.
July 5, 2020
If you are thinking of buying a weapon or if you already own one, this book is a must-read.
January 18, 2021
Excellent book about the law and self defense. I highly recommend this for anyone who carries concealed or is thinking about it.
February 12, 2022
THE book you need to understand the legal system and considerations for a self defense situation. It's concise, approachable and loaded with information. Have a highlighter handy.
October 13, 2022
Excellent, quick read! A very essential read for understanding laws when it comes to Self Defense, especially when carrying a firearm in public, or having one for home defense.
September 23, 2023
Really freaking good, and fascinating to boot. Self-defense law is easy to understand and follows a logical flow, or at least it does in the way Branca presents it. Highly recommend.
March 23, 2024
Great information
Definitely helpful to see the information in writing. It shows how laws differ from state to state. Hope it's never needed.
Definitely helpful to see the information in writing. It shows how laws differ from state to state. Hope it's never needed.
September 21, 2025
Anyone who carries a firearm for self defense MUST read this book. It is excellent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews