Beginning July 1st, a new Tennessee law authorizes individuals in lawful possession of real or personal property to use deadly force to protect their belongings under specific conditions. Under this legislation, deadly force can be used if a person reasonably believes it is immediately necessary to prevent or stop a trespass, unlawful property interference, arson, burglary, theft, robbery, property damage (including damage to livestock), or aggravated cruelty to animals.

It also allows for the immediate or “fresh pursuit” use of deadly force to reenter land or recover property if the individual was unlawfully dispossessed of it through the threat or use of force. However, this level of force is only permitted if the property owner reasonably believes there is no other way to protect the property, or if using non-deadly force would expose them or a third party to a risk of death or serious bodily injury.

Crucially, the law explicitly states that the use of deadly force is never justified if the individual committing the offense is facing away from the person defending the property.