Higher education pays off!

ariel · 17th September 2009, 01:45 AM

As a matter of fact, some of the members of this Forum are, in fact, lawyers. They may explain to all of us salient points of the law (US, of course).
All of us have sharp and pointy things in our houses and many ( I would think most) do not have firearms: I do not.
Thus, if, and when, we are confronted with a similar situation, tulwars, koras and kindjals are the only means we have to defend ourselves and our families. My understanding, in the US, one does not have to retreat from an armed intruder into our house, especially at night.
When can we use deadly force? What are the legal limits we are not allowed to cross? What circumstances allow us to claim legitimate self-defense and prevail?

I ain't no joking, folks.

M ELEY · 17th September 2009, 02:54 AM

Content deleted...

fearn · 17th September 2009, 03:52 AM

Hi Ariel,

I'm NOT a lawyer, but I can tell you that the law varies by state. Every reference I've seen notes that, so I assume it's true.

As both Rick and I noted, the key words are "I am in fear for my life." I was only half joking about engraving these words on the hilt of your lethal self-defense implements. It's a good reminder for when you're supposed to use them as they were designed.

Anyway, Wikipedia has various useful links to start from:

Right of Self Defense

Self defense in the US

Castle Doctrine (This is the "man's home is his castle" concept, and deals with when you have a legal duty to retreat and when you can legally stand your ground).

As noted, the laws vary by state, not to mention by country, but this is a place to start looking up what those laws.

Best,

F

17th September 2009, 02:54 AM	#2
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,211	Content deleted... Last edited by M ELEY; 17th September 2009 at 03:33 AM.

17th September 2009, 01:45 AM	#1
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	As a matter of fact, some of the members of this Forum are, in fact, lawyers. They may explain to all of us salient points of the law (US, of course). All of us have sharp and pointy things in our houses and many ( I would think most) do not have firearms: I do not. Thus, if, and when, we are confronted with a similar situation, tulwars, koras and kindjals are the only means we have to defend ourselves and our families. My understanding, in the US, one does not have to retreat from an armed intruder into our house, especially at night. When can we use deadly force? What are the legal limits we are not allowed to cross? What circumstances allow us to claim legitimate self-defense and prevail? I ain't no joking, folks.

17th September 2009, 03:52 AM	#3
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Hi Ariel, I'm NOT a lawyer, but I can tell you that the law varies by state. Every reference I've seen notes that, so I assume it's true. As both Rick and I noted, the key words are "I am in fear for my life." I was only half joking about engraving these words on the hilt of your lethal self-defense implements. It's a good reminder for when you're supposed to use them as they were designed. Anyway, Wikipedia has various useful links to start from: Right of Self Defense Self defense in the US Castle Doctrine (This is the "man's home is his castle" concept, and deals with when you have a legal duty to retreat and when you can legally stand your ground). As noted, the laws vary by state, not to mention by country, but this is a place to start looking up what those laws. Best, F