In the United States there are specific laws relating to a person’s right to defend him or herself. And, since the definition of self-defense varies from state to state, it is important that you familiarize yourself with your states stance on this subject before an incident occurs. In the U.S. a person is granted the right to use REASONABLE FORCE in his or her “own defense” or the “defense of others” but where the waters get murky is when determining whether or not deadly force is allowed. There are also states that include a “duty to retreat” in their self-defense laws, and to make things even more complicated, your duty to retreat may be waived (depending on which state you live in) if the person is inside your home, which would fall under the “castle exception”.
If asked, most people would say they do not care about the law when it comes to protecting themselves, their loved ones, or their property. They would stand firmly by their “whatever it takes to get the job done” attitude and worry about the law later. Although this sort of bravado has its place (and I’ve been guilty of it myself from time-to-time), it is far better to learn the law and to work within the law than it is to fight back in a “no-holds-barred” manner, only to find yourself sitting behind bars for the next five years—leaving your family to defend for themselves. So what is the moral to this story? Am I saying you should not do whatever it takes to defend yourself and your loved ones? Absolutely Not! What I am saying is that each person should take a little time to read up on the laws of their state regarding this matter and get empowered. I know my states laws, I know my rights, and I will defend myself and those around me within the guidelines of those laws, lethally if necessary. Now that is empowerment!
If asked, most people would say they do not care about the law when it comes to protecting themselves, their loved ones, or their property. They would stand firmly by their “whatever it takes to get the job done” attitude and worry about the law later. Although this sort of bravado has its place (and I’ve been guilty of it myself from time-to-time), it is far better to learn the law and to work within the law than it is to fight back in a “no-holds-barred” manner, only to find yourself sitting behind bars for the next five years—leaving your family to defend for themselves. So what is the moral to this story? Am I saying you should not do whatever it takes to defend yourself and your loved ones? Absolutely Not! What I am saying is that each person should take a little time to read up on the laws of their state regarding this matter and get empowered. I know my states laws, I know my rights, and I will defend myself and those around me within the guidelines of those laws, lethally if necessary. Now that is empowerment!
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