I recall an era past when if someone was caught in the act of looting during a major disaster such as Hurricane Katrina or now, the S. CA Firestorms, no questions were asked if a miscreant trying to take advantage of such a tragedy was capped on the spot. But given today's climate of "political correctness" at all costs, it wouldn't surprise me to learn that these scum are treated with kid gloves. If I witnessed my home being looted, that SOB would be sorry he was ever born and the heck with what the law says. But does anybody know what the law says???
2007-10-23 21:10:57 · 6 answers · asked by maxman71 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
In California, they have to be INSIDE your home without your consent, and you have to allow them a chance to leave (with or without your belongings.). Of course, you're allowed to stop them non-fatally.
Ultimatelly, you have to be in harms way INSIDE your own home. Not on your front lawn, not in your backyard. Inside your home.
I think it's ridiculous that a law bars you from protecting your property, but... hey, it's california.
2007-10-23 21:56:50 · answer #1 · answered by Hellion 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting answers you are getting. . .
Okay, you drive up to your destroyed home and see some butt head walking out of your house with a sack. You jump out of your car and shoot him with your trusty .44 mag. How justified are you in killing this guy. You did not know what he took, maybe it's some of the food you left behind. Worth killing somebody over??
You will be charged for the killing. You will have to defend yourself against the homicide charge. The family of the person you killed will sue you. Your legal costs could bankrupt you.
You do not have the right to kill looters unless they are a threat to you or someone else. The only ones that have the legal right to shoot looters on sight are the cops and the National Guard and then only under certain, dire circumstances, such as when Martial Law has been ordered by the Governor.
Taking a human life is serious business. It can be difficult to live with and the financial and emotional burdens can break you.
I read a lot of bravado about shooting and killing someone who dares to enter their property. No ones seems to realize what a huge responsibility that is. Society, thankfully, still values the life of even some low life scum more than the value of your TV set.
2007-10-23 21:43:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
Depends on the laws of your state. But then again, in the midst of a natural disaster and the resultant state of shock you would be experiencing a court would be hard-pressed to convict you given you had good counsel.
In that context...you shoot first....ask questions later. This is America and we have the right to "bear arms"...and in an instance such as that....even more so.
2007-10-23 21:24:04 · answer #3 · answered by Chaz 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Varies depending on what state you live in. If you are still in California then you are out of luck you can only shoot someone if you are "in fear for your or someone else's life".
I live in Arizona, where it is legal to carry a pistol in a holster while walking around (without any permits) and you can shoot someone while protecting your property.
2007-10-23 21:20:44 · answer #4 · answered by don_sv_az 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Certain states do have a "make my day" law, which does allow for certain behavior, but I'm not sure if any allow for this to occur during a state of emergency.
2007-10-23 21:19:51 · answer #5 · answered by smcelr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In this case, I agree with the law, which values life over property.
2007-10-23 21:15:36 · answer #6 · answered by and_y_knot 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋