Also, when someone hits you unprovoked, to what extent can you take self defense?
2007-02-25 03:41:06 · 19 answers · asked by ThisAin'tASceneIt'sAnArm 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
If they are considered 'armed and dangerous' then yes, you have the ability to protect yourself with all means neccessary. By that I mean, you have the right to go as far as killing the individual. However, if he is unarmed and attempt to flee, you don't have the right to beat him up or kill him. However, you can incapacitate him until the police arrive or perform a citizen's arrest.
Second, if someone hits you, unprovoked, you have the right to protect yourself. This does not mean you can kill him. Just make sure there is no chance of him attacking you again then call the cops. But to get into more detailed terms, you can go as far as knocking him out. However, if he has a weapon, you have the right to kill him. And, if accidental, you kill him protecting yourself, then you would be acquited.
2007-02-25 07:55:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Self-defense is a generally acknowledged principle in most places. If I have cause to believe someone is going to harm me, I believe I'm allowed to defend myself here in California. I'm not so sure this means I can do anything I want with impunity. If a thief breaks in, and I knock him out, that doesn't mean I can slit his throat, unless that's the only choice. IMO. Whatever the law says technically, I think it would be difficult to get convicted by a jury for harming someone that broke into my house.
2016-03-16 00:48:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have the right to use deadly force in defense of yourself, a third person, or your home with no questions asked. I am always amazed at how many people get this one wrong.
If someone breaks into your house, you do not have to use equal force. If they break in carrying a knife, and you have a gun, their mistake. Also, they do not have to be threatening you at all. I have always said that if my kids are at my house, and someone breaks in, that person is going to die. If only I am in the house, they might not. But, that is a big might.
Another misconception is that they already have to be in the house. If someone is attempting to kick in your front door, and you have a weapon that can shoot through the door, it's your call.
2007-02-25 04:29:00 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That really depends on state and local laws. Generally, you are allowed to use what is deemed "necessary force". In some areas that can include deadly force, while in others, you would have to prove that your life was in danger. If someone hits you unprovoked, you can take again necessary defensive action to stop the hitting. It would be unwise to beat them senseless and then kick them. If you are in a public place, it is best to let someone that has authority, such as a security gurad or bar bouncer take care of the situation. You will perhaps be bloodied, but you will have the moral high ground.
In either of these situations, violence could go against you and you could get hurt worse by engaging.
2007-02-25 03:49:55 · answer #4 · answered by fangtaiyang 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In the UK you can only use what they call "reasonable force" and what exactly that means is anybody's guess, if you injure the intruder you can be convicted and if you kill them you will in all probability face a prison sentence.
So if some knife or gun wielding nutter breaks into your home, you have to ask him if can he stay where he is while you call the police, crazy or what!!!!
In the US I think you have the right to defend yourself by any means as long as the intruder is actually in your home even to the point of sustaining a fatal injury, and rightly so!!!
The law in the UK does more for the perpetrators of crime rather than the welfare of its victims.
2007-02-25 04:09:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
All I can say is make sure you kill them because if you hurt them they will just sue you when they get out of the hospital.
To the latter I wouldn't even do anything unless I had to as they would be totally liable and pretty hosed. Unless it was clear they wern't going to stop hitting you until dead then go for it and again the first statement should be the one to aim for.
2007-02-25 03:46:44 · answer #6 · answered by Unstable Mentality 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it has to be equal. If someone out right punches you, you can't pull a gun out on them. Same thing for rubbers, unless he has a weapon, you can't use a weapon either. Most cops in my town turn the other cheek though and figure the crook deserved it.
2007-02-25 03:46:08 · answer #7 · answered by mackenzie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If a person breaks into your house, you should welcome them with open arms and give them whatever they want. Fix them a sandwich and a glass of tea and sit down with them and tell them that they should be ashamed of themselves, or just shoot the sonsofbitches.
2007-02-25 03:56:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only so far as to defend yourself or someone else. For instance, you can't beat the perp to a bloody pulp after they've gone unconcious. I'm sure we'de all LIKE to, but we can't.
2007-02-25 03:46:20 · answer #9 · answered by mamasquirrel 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
That depends on STATE law.
In some states you better run like hell because you have no right to your property or life.
In other states you can use lethal force if needed.
2007-02-25 03:56:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋