Deadly Force, 2nd Edition : Understanding Your Right to Self Defense

Be prepared. Understand the law. Carry with confidence.

When it comes to explaining the details of self-defense law, Massad Ayoob has most likely educated more armed citizens than any other author. With his groundbreaking title, In the Gravest Extreme (1980) and following up with Deadly Force (2014), Ayoob has helped hundreds of thousands of law-abiding citizens understand the serious responsibility that comes with using a firearm to defend themselves and their families.

Deadly Force, 2^nd Edition is a continuation of Ayoob’s mission to educate gun owners on all aspects of lethal force laws. Drawing on more than four decades of experience as an expert witness for the courts in weapons and shooting cases, and serving as a fully sworn and empowered, part time police officer for 43 years, Ayoob also educates through his Massad Ayoob Group classes such as the Armed Citizen’s Rules of Engagement.

There are legal, ethical and practical considerations that all gun owners need to be aware of, and Ayoob covers all of these angles in layman’s terms.

In this updated edition, Ayoob adds nearly 100 additional pages of new, no-nonsense commentary on headline-grabbing topics such as:

• The Kyle Rittenhouse trial 
• The shooting of Ahmaud Arbery
• SCOTUS'' 2022 landmark ruling on New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen 

Also new to this edition is a section providing updated, detailed information to help readers understand how to select the best attorney should they ever need one in the aftermath of a use-of-force event. Other thoroughly covered topics include:

• Understanding the legal standards for self-defense
• Castle doctrine and stand your ground laws
• Debunking myths of self-defense
• Explanation of “furtive movement” shootings
• The realities of post-shooting psychological trauma
• Commentary on problematic hardware
• Ayoob’s 10 Commandments for Concealed Carry