Questions tagged [self-defense]
Legal allowance to use force to protect one's self. May encompass rights to use force to protect one's property or the person or property of others.
64
questions
0
votes
1answer
38 views
Self defense after provocation on the part of the defender
A friend of mine in university wants to ensure he can defend himself legally. In a library a group of individuals were talking enough to annoy him and as the library has explicit no talking policy he ...
0
votes
1answer
66 views
How could the recruits have legally defended themselves against the drill sergeant's insults in Full Metal Jacket?
I stood with my mouth open as I watched the first ten minutes of the movie Full Metal Jacket:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=71Lft6EQh-Y&feature=emb_logo
The movie is set in ...
14
votes
2answers
2k views
Does the “stand your ground” law regarding shooting an intruder apply when the door of the dwelling was not locked?
I was wondering, suppose someone enters a dwelling uninvited in a state that has a stand your ground law (or as I am being correct on, Castle Doctrine). If the door was not locked, would the homeowner ...
5
votes
1answer
131 views
Home Self Defense: Sweden
So I am reading a fictional book, that takes place in Sweden, and there is a situation presented that strike me as implausible.
A female character is being "stalked" by another character, and ...
1
vote
1answer
109 views
Bringing an electric gun in the streets (Belgium)
Is it permissible to bring an electric gun in a hoster just in case of self-defense? Is there a need of a special written permission by a police department or a weapon center or by a court? What are ...
5
votes
1answer
764 views
Can an employer be required to provide an escort from office to vehicle?
Follow up question to Can an employer be forced to allow an employee to bring a gun to work (Washington State)?
It appears that an employer can limit employee concealed carry.
(It would also seem ...
5
votes
4answers
420 views
Claiming self-defense and refusing to self-incriminate at the same time
Bob shoots Rob dead. Noone saw what actually happened, no video footage, nothing. Bob does not deny shooting Rob but claims it was self-defense. He does not go into details — invoking his right not to ...
1
vote
1answer
231 views
Can a police officer enter with no warrant or cause, and must I comply with orders if one does?
This is a hypothetical question.
I am in my garage on a Saturday reloading ammunition and cleaning several guns for a range trip the next day. It is hot and I had the large garage door open. As ...
1
vote
3answers
473 views
Is Plummer v State still valid under contemporary law?
Apparently, in Plummer v State back in 1893, the court ruled an individual may act in self-defense against a police officer provided there is unlawful use of force. Note, this does not mean self-...
0
votes
1answer
151 views
Self Defense- Lethal Force- Taser & Knife Vs. Fire Arm
I was thinking of buying a taser for self defense. However, if someone were trying to attack me such as pulling a gun out on me, I fear a taser will just leave a criminal pissed off and still wanting ...
3
votes
2answers
369 views
Self defense during execution
Let's say someone has been sentenced to death and is about to be killed by lethal injection. While they are being brought into the execution room, they manage to escape the grip of the prison guards ...
1
vote
0answers
61 views
Is it legal to use self-defense against police brutality? [duplicate]
Is it self defense if a police officer were assaulting; let’s say my uncle, and punch or push away the officer to stop him from hurting my uncle would that be legal?
1
vote
1answer
169 views
Why is use of force justified in this way?
Typically when we see an officer on the media for their use of force, even when the other person was a danger, we see the general public retort with something of the form "lesser force could have been ...
-1
votes
1answer
19 views
Where Can I Find Weapon Definitions as Refereed To In NY Penal Code?
In NY penal code section 265.01 it states:
A person is guilty of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth
degree when:
(1) He or she possesses any firearm, electronic dart gun, ...
3
votes
2answers
121 views
Are martial artists held to a different standard?
At the beginning of the movie Con Air, the main character is presented as an ex-Green Beret who is attacked by 3 people outside a bar. He defends himself and his pregnant wife during the fight until ...
2
votes
0answers
81 views
Tear gases/chemical weapons for civillian use?
I was wondering if civilians can legally carry and use a chemical weapon/tear gas in an event where you need to protect yourself. I have found that pepper spray is okay for self defence in the USA, ...
0
votes
2answers
674 views
In UK Law what items can you carry to defend your person? [duplicate]
What items are legal under UK law to protect yourself?
Can you carry pepper spray?
A baseball bat?
If there are no police about how is one supposed to protect themselves from harm?
1
vote
1answer
213 views
Can you be shot in “self-defense” for attempting to disarm someone?
"I'd like to see you try and take my gun" is a common mantra among 2nd amendment enthusiasts, the implied sentiment being they'll kill anyone who tries, but I'm interested in what would happen if this ...
0
votes
1answer
105 views
Is it legal to approach a threatening situation openly carrying a firearm?
Imagine this: A man is threatening you on your porch. You come outside with a rifle (muzzle pointing at the ground in a open carry stance) and politely ask him to leave.
Is this brandishing or open ...
0
votes
1answer
149 views
Visiting Texas would I have the right to defend myself with a Texas residents firearm whom I'm staying with?
I will be visiting Texas and staying at my girlfriend's home. Would I have the right to defend myself with her firearm in the case of a burglary etc, or would I be in big trouble?
2
votes
2answers
655 views
Is it justifiable to disarm a policeman who is tasing an unhealthy person?
Is a citizen justified in disarming a policeman who is applying a taser to a suspect who committed a misdemeanor, but who is at an elevated risk of dying due to health conditions of which the police ...
2
votes
1answer
214 views
Would it be legal to use deadly force in a stampede?
Imagine a stampede where there is a reasonable fear of death or grievous bodily harm. Would it be legal for a victim to use deadly force in the form of a gun or knife in this scenario?
In states ...
1
vote
3answers
279 views
Do people lose their right to defend their house if they make it look like their house is uninhabited?
What should Bryan Smith have done when two burglars came to his house?
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/local/2014/04/29/morrison-county-jury-discussing-byron-smith-case/8465609/
Two burglars ...
1
vote
1answer
147 views
What degree of force is permissible in self-defense against battery? [duplicate]
What degree and types of force is person A allowed to exert against person B to avoid battery by B? Does it matter whether the battery is threatened or occurring? What would be some guidelines for ...
1
vote
1answer
77 views
What if any law is broken if Person B hugs Person A against A's expressed wishes?
Here is a recent post about person A in the US who doesn't want to be hugged, yet keeps getting hugged despite voicing that the hugs are unwanted:
https://interpersonal.stackexchange.com/questions/...
1
vote
1answer
93 views
What is the basis for how aggressive a person can be in self-defense?
All manner of hugging goes on in society in the US. For some people it is unwanted regardless of who the other person is. Autism spectrum comes to mind. How aggressive can person A be against ...
1
vote
0answers
103 views
Self defence with an illegal weapon
First off I’d like to say this is just a hypothetical question that I thought of today.
This following scenario is to be taking place in Canada. Let’s say a guy is at his house on his private ...
2
votes
2answers
196 views
Can a company forbid an employee to exercise his common law right to self defence?
If a company has a "no violence" policy could that override a person's common law right to self defence?
2
votes
0answers
134 views
Legal Baltimore Knives
I recently moved to the Downtown Baltimore, Maryland area and as you may know it's an extremely high crime area that has a lot of homicides. As a result I've been trying to find ways I can defend ...
2
votes
3answers
338 views
Will I be liable for injuries to someone else resulting from defending myself in a confrontation?
Let's say you are eating dinner with your family at a restaurant in Florida that has some outside seating. In the middle of your meal, a young man proceeds to try to sell you his mix tape. You ...
0
votes
1answer
1k views
Deadly force allowed during a forcible felony in Florida?
You are at a stop light and see a person with a firearm run up to the car in front of you. They attempt to open the door and see a struggle begin as the door opens. You are absolutely sure this is a ...
0
votes
1answer
129 views
Do I have the right to protect my personal property ? [closed]
In most part of US, people have the right to protect their own personal property with an appropriate amount of force.With this concept of personal property and a persons right to protect as background,...
5
votes
4answers
6k views
Is deadly self defense in Germany legal?
Since I am an American in Germany I have had this discussion with a few Germans but haven't got a concrete answer. If i am at home in Germany and someone breaks into my house and I see that they have ...
0
votes
1answer
96 views
May one attack an offender during an extended smash and grab attempt
It is common in South Africa for the passenger window to get smashed and the offender to then lunge into the car to grab items.
A) Would it be legal to then drive off and hit his legs against a lamp ...
1
vote
3answers
624 views
Spices used as self defence
Let's assume that person A carries on themselves spices such as chilly, cayenne peppers, or something else of the same fiery disposition. Person A is attacked by person B. Let us further assume that ...
3
votes
1answer
343 views
Would you be convicted of assault, etc. for defending the passenger in the United incident?
I'm wondering what would have happened if one of the passengers who was witnessing the United incident unfold had stepped in and tried to defend the doctor, by force.
Note that I'm assuming the ...
0
votes
2answers
90 views
Can Person 2 press charges?
Person 1 harasses Person 2 for three days.
Person 2 dumps Person 1's personal belongings onto floor.
Person 1 attacks Person 2 with wrestling, hair pulling, hitting and kicking.
Person 2 responds, ...
1
vote
1answer
399 views
Dodging police bullet illegal?
Would dodging, or otherwise itentionally avoiding, being shot by the police be considered resisting arrest? Mainly regarding U.S. law, but interested if any other law adresses this.
1
vote
2answers
245 views
Can I carry a gun in a case in Florida while riding a bicycle?
I am riding an extended bike trip. I've already been attacked by multiple dogs. I applied for a concealed carry permit but I don't want to delay my trip in the meantime. Can I carry in an unlocked ...
0
votes
1answer
103 views
Can a country defend against invasions?
I know think under "premises/occupiers liability" you aren't allowed to set up things like booby-traps, to stop trespassers / invaders.
Are countries/militaries exempt from such laws?
If so, how are ...
4
votes
3answers
711 views
Weapons vs objects coincidentally used as weapons
My understanding is that many easily-concealed weapons are illegal to use for self-defense in many if not most states. For example, knuckle-dusters are illegal to use in self-defense in most if not ...
1
vote
2answers
303 views
Legal definition of assault?
In Massachusetts, penalties are established for "assault" upon a person, but apparently there is no definition of "assault". So, what constitutes an assault could apparently be open to interpretation. ...
3
votes
2answers
324 views
Can you legally stop an unsupervised child from acting up
I think this is the right place to ask this.. If there is a young child (say 4-10-ish) who is unsupervised and causing a major disruption, what is the extent of the measures you can take to stop him/...
2
votes
2answers
190 views
Can law enforcement/military shoot to kill for merely making a phone call that is deemed treasonous?
Warning: This question contains spoilers to the film Arrival (2016). If that bothers you, move on now.
In the 2016 film Arrival, humanity confronts a crisis with the arrival of a dozen alien ...
-1
votes
1answer
67 views
Lethal force to prevent virus outbreak?
Lets say im in the hostpital or a supermarket. and somone just died from somthing unknow, what seems to be a virus or any other transmissible disease. am i in legal right to use letal force to prevent ...
4
votes
1answer
59k views
Can you legally defend yourself against an attacking police officer?
If a police officer physically attacks you, with or without intent to arrest, can you legally defend yourself? Assume that the police officer punches/kicks/grabs first, and you are not guilty of any ...
2
votes
4answers
908 views
If a thief breaks in, gets hit on the head in a struggle and dies - is it involuntary manslaughter?
I have been reading and seeing some fiction where it was shown that a thief breaks into a house, steals, he is caught in the act, in the struggle, there is a blow to the head and the thief dies. The ...
2
votes
3answers
6k views
Is it self defense to use force on someone threatening violence but hasn't used it yet?
Here is the example video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALNIPwh8I54 (a little violent but not too much)
Given the answers to Are you allowed to strike a person if they say you can? and Does anyone ...
17
votes
5answers
7k views
What happens if I shoot a police officer in self-defense during a SWAT raid?
No-knock SWAT raids are very popular, especially in the US. But how do you know that the heavily armed persons are policemen? Isn't it very easy to mistake them for robbers? What if I try to defend ...
0
votes
2answers
159 views
Could one claim self defense in killing if he could prove indirect, but not immediate threat?
I was just watching a movie, Training Day, (Edit: Spoiler - read no further if you'd like to not have the plot spoiled) where a good police officer is applying for a position on a narcotics unit, but ...
