castle doctrine and civil suits

[jack76590]

Mas,

I suspect that State castle doctrine laws, while somewhat similar, vary in important details. But generally speaking, what is any protection from civil suit do they provide? Pennsylvania castle doctrine appears to have had its first test in Berks Co. At least man defending self seems to have been spared criminal charges. Link. Thanks, Jack

http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=361731

[Mas Ayoob]

Protection varies. In this case, you have a ruling by the prosecutor's office that's as solid as it gets. Remains to be seen how civil court judges will take it. Allegations by plaintiffs of malice or negligence can, at least theoretically, bypass "liability protection" and allow a lawsuit to continue.

Best,
Mas