Ok, here goes. DISCLAIMER: This is not legal advice, it is for the sole purpose of entertainment... LOL, ok, so I've been working at the firm a little too long already. LOL
The general criminal law says that you can only use the defense of self-defense when you are taking measures that are reasonably comparable to the measures taken against you or that someone is approaching you with (excuse the preposition at the end, it's late). Therefore, if someone is coming at you with a stick, you can't shoot them (use a deadly weapon) and shout self-defense. If the person has a gun or other deadly weapon (in some cases, a bat is considered a deadly weapon I think, if my memory serves me right) then you are permitted to use deadly force (i.e. fire a gun) to defend yourself. I think that you can also use it if someone comes into your home - but once they run out the front door, forget about it if you shoot them on the front lawn while they are running away. I don't know about self-defense if someone is coming at your with their bare hands. Any of my lawschool sorors taking criminal law read anything on that lately? I know that criminal law varies by state but since in most courses you study the general trends in law, it might be insightful to hear if you've heard anything. I know Soror SKEE wants to scream mistake of fact.
SC
Quote:
Originally posted by honeychile
What I was taught to say at the NRA Personal Protection course (when the police showed up) was. "Oh, Officer! I'm so glad to see you! I thought the SOB was going to kill me!!"
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