In the ever-changing worlds of law enforcement and criminal law, there are two laws embedded in the criminal justice system that not only contain striking similarities, but also contain applications that have been used in inconsistent and yet unpredictable ways. These two laws, the Stand-your-ground Act and the Castle Doctrine, are the two laws that over the past three years have received both national and local attention when examining exactly how these Laws are enforced, justified, prosecuted, used and Stand-your-ground law essentially allows an individual to use force, whether deadly or not, in self-defense when there is a reasonable or rational belief of a threat (perceived or not), with no obligation or responsibility to retreat first. . Therefore, the expression and language of stand your ground essentially defines, describes and explains this notion. People are not required to retreat or flee their justified grounds and are legally permitted to defend themselves in the event of a perceived or suspected threat. Under this law, the individual is authorized to use whatever force is necessary to protect his or her person. “Twenty states, excluding Connecticut, have standstill laws. Generally, these laws require that the person (1) has the legal right to be on the premises and (2) is not engaging in illegal activity” (M. Randall, H. Boyer). This law, if used effectively and in the manner intended by the Constitution, contains viable protections afforded to many Americans. However, due to numerous specific, nationally broadcast events and criminal prosecutions involving enforcement of the Stand Your Ground Act (Brian Zimmerman in particular), this law has...... middle of paper.. ....but also unreliable justifications and defenses within our criminal justice system about what is constitutionally acceptable and correct. Works cited Carmon, I., (2014, March). Can women hold on? It depends on the target. MSNBC. Internet. Retrieved from: http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/can-women-stand-their-ground. May 16, 2014. Findlaw. (nd) States That Have Stand Your Ground Laws Web Retrieved from: http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-law-basics/states-that-have-stand-your-ground-laws.html. May 16, 2014. Lott, John Jr. (March 2012). It's not about holding on. National Review Online. Internet. Retrieved from: http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/294609/it-s-not-about-stand-your-ground-john-r-lott-jr#! May 16, 2014. Randall, M., Boyer, H. (April 2012). OLR Research Report. Internet. Retrieved from http://cga.ct.gov/2012/rpt/2012-R-0172.htm. Can 16, 2014.