I'm a white male being threatened by a black male, and I despise this question mark >>>?

Question

A black male has been harassing me and threatening to fight me for two(2) days now. I wish to know if I have a legal chance in this. He is a minor [I assume], and I am eight-teen(18). I know about the self-defense law, but I don't know it, specifically.

I feel as though I am being targeted for no reason, as I have done nothing to provoke him. This has been going on for two(2) days now, as of Wednesday, January 10th, 2007. I wish to know if anyone could help me out with legal advice or tips, and to further explain, I am the on being threatened, and I fear a fight may come up if I am unable to get to the bus in time. I do not wish to fight for legal reasons, and I do not wish to be called a 'coward'. any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, I am bisexual, and live in the state of Wisconsin, if that helps, as I hear each state is different.

*NOTE*
I will not stand for any 'useless' answers, those being outright racist, or for 'point-gaming'. ONLY answer if you have relavent input.

In response to the second answer:

His race has a LOT to do with it, as I am white, he is black, he or his family couldcall it a hate crime if I fight back.

In response to Derek:

I appreciate your answer, and for the record, I would rather not fight at all.

If I can get his name, than I will contact his parents, if it happens the day after, I will contact the police, and if it happens again, I am smart enough to understand the limitations of self defence. I'l leave this run for another day for more answers, and then pick a best answer.

Answer 1

First step: go to his parents and talk to them. Take your parents with you as witness. You'd be surprised at the results.

If that fails:

Second step: go to the police and file a harassment complaint. The first question the police will ask is, "Have you talked to the parents?" When you say yes, they'll start the report.

Once you file the report, you are officially on record as having notified both the parents and the police that there is a problem, and that the parents are not doing anything about it. After the report is filed, if the minor starts a fight with you, let him strike the first blow.

Then knock his flippin' head off, because it'll be in self-defense. Just don't use a weapon like a rock or a baseball bat.

THEN trot down to the police station and file a report of "Assault and Battery."

Next you get to watch as the police haul the little a$$hole off to jail.

Answer 2

First a claim for self-defense can only be made if the threat is about to happen. The fact that this has been going on for a few days does not mean that you get a free punch next time you see him, only if you have a reasonable belief that he is about to attack can you then attack him in self-denfense.

If you want to fight him to "prove you are a man" and "you aren't a coward" go ahead but you really have no legal protection from charges if you do so. Even if he attacks you first and you fight back in self-defense. The window in which your act can be called "self-denfense" is really only limited to the the amount of time you have no options except to fight. In other words if he takes a swing at you and then you take a swing at him, you are legally protected, but if your punch sends him to the floor and then you keep on punching him those extra punchs would be normal battery and there is no legal protection for that.

The boys age has almost no relevance, pretty much if he is old enough to understand what he is doing the law is not going to protect him. So if you want to fight him, go fight him. But if you want to protect yourself legally, you need to file a report and get it on record. That way at least if a fight does happen it is more believable that he attacked you and you had no other option but to fight back. Also if it is on record if after the fight he makes a claim about race it is easier to believe your side because you have it on record.

Answer 3

Because he is a minor, there could be problems if you take the challenge and fight with him.

You can always make a police report. At minimum, he is disturbing the peace, and worst case he is making terrorist threats. Be sure and let them know that he is provoking you and trying to get you to fight. They will take it from there.

Edit: If there is a possibility that he is doing this because of your sexual orientation, that is a HATE CRIME. You need to contact the police.

Answer 4

Next time he makes threats try to record it on our cell phone otherwise he could easily accuse you of making racist remarks toward him and shift the blame on you. Next thing you know Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson are going to show up demanding justice for the poor boy.

Answer 5

Go on-line and search defense products,
such J&L.
Purchase a pepper spray made by FOX.
I bought one for my daughter who sells
real estate. (She keeps it in her handbag)

This item is not a toy, or a micky mouse
version like you see in local drug stores.
It is legal in most states, and it is powerful.

It comes in "fog" and "stream"
If you buy the "fog," just make sure you
stand upwind, or it will take you out.

Answer 6

I am sorry for your situation. However I don't understand what his race has to do with it???