The Use Of Deadly Force

[ronwill]

There is always a question as to when someone can legally use deadly force. The following articles may help:

Guns and the law: The use of deadly force (part 1)

Guns and the law: The use of deadly force (part 2)

[Jim_Macklin]

Buy the books by Massod Ayoob

IN THE GRAVEST EXTREME
and
THE TRUTH ABOUT SELF-DEFENSE


Read your own state's laws, in Kansas 21-3211, 3212, 3213.

Never alter a shooting scene because that says you thought there was some doubt about the need to shoot and you tried to "improve" the look.

What matters is what you as an average, normal person did in fact actually feel at the moment you pulled the trigger. Other people will decide if that was reasonable and if you were reasonable later.

[HK4U]

It all depends in what state you live in.

[ronwill]

I guess I need to clarify. Anyone who carries a weapon should learn their states laws (and those of any state they may carry in). These articles are only basic guidelines.

[kengrubb]

Immediate and otherwise unavoidable danger of death or grave bodily harm to the innocent.

That's the standard that works everywhere.

[CCW_G27]

Read your state laws and if you don't understand them talk to a Law expert. you might be judged by twelve but its better than carried by six.

[ClearSightTactical]

I've never worried too much about that stuff. (ready to get screamed at).

I'm no commando but can defend myself- I figure if I ever have to shoot someone that they really forced my hand and it was unavoidable. The only time I'd ever use my weapon would be to defend myself or another from imminent risk of great bodily harm or death.

I think that people put too much thought (ya, that's right) into the subject and end up freaking themselves out. There will always be a legal battle afterwards...and if you're concerned about that at the time of the incident you probably weren't justified.

I've been in many use of force encounters and never thought about my justification I just reacted to keep myself or someone else from being hurt. I try to guide my actions with my own morals, of course in compliance with the law. However, if some junkie is charging me with a knife the NM Statutes are the farthest thing from my mind...

[PaulIcemanMc]

I've never worried too much about that stuff. (ready to get screamed at).

I'm no commando but can defend myself- I figure if I ever have to shoot someone that they really forced my hand and it was unavoidable. The only time I'd ever use my weapon would be to defend myself or another from imminent risk of great bodily harm or death.

I think that people put too much thought (ya, that's right) into the subject and end up freaking themselves out. There will always be a legal battle afterwards...and if you're concerned about that at the time of the incident you probably weren't justified.

I've been in many use of force encounters and never thought about my justification I just reacted to keep myself or someone else from being hurt. I try to guide my actions with my own morals, of course in compliance with the law. However, if some junkie is charging me with a knife the NM Statutes are the farthest thing from my mind...

This is pretty much how I feel about the whole subject. I will have to make those decisions when and if the time comes. I just know that I refuse to be a willing victim with no chance of surviving. And God forbid you threaten one of my loved ones....

[JJFlash]

I've never worried too much about that stuff. (ready to get screamed at).

I'm no commando but can defend myself- I figure if I ever have to shoot someone that they really forced my hand and it was unavoidable. The only time I'd ever use my weapon would be to defend myself or another from imminent risk of great bodily harm or death.

I think that people put too much thought (ya, that's right) into the subject and end up freaking themselves out. There will always be a legal battle afterwards...and if you're concerned about that at the time of the incident you probably weren't justified.

I've been in many use of force encounters and never thought about my justification I just reacted to keep myself or someone else from being hurt. I try to guide my actions with my own morals, of course in compliance with the law. However, if some junkie is charging me with a knife the NM Statutes are the farthest thing from my mind...

CST, I just posted pretty much the exact same thoughts on your other thread - Documenting the Use of Force. You do what you think you gotta do and damn the consequences. We keep this crap up and we'll all just turn into sheep, afraid of the legal consequences of defending ourselves and others. Bottom line: you threaten me or my family with deadly intent, I'm gonna put you down. And I'm not gonna look around and make sure I have witnessess first, and I'm not dialing 911 first. I will make sure I have clear LOS. Oh, And I'm willing to go to prison for it, if I have to.

[ClearSightTactical]

CST, I just posted pretty much the exact same thoughts on your other thread - Documenting the Use of Force. You do what you think you gotta do and damn the consequences. We keep this crap up and we'll all just turn into sheep, afraid of the legal consequences of defending ourselves and others. Bottom line: you threaten me or my family with deadly intent, I'm gonna put you down. And I'm not gonna look around and make sure I have witnessess first, and I'm not dialing 911 first. I will make sure I have clear LOS. Oh, And I'm willing to go to prison for it, if I have to.

Well said!

Its good to know the laws about using deadly force, self defense statutes, etc. However, if you pay attention to the law and the way its written- you'll see that the statutes are very vague in most states. So vague infact that they may as well not exist.

I follow the law- but i'll be damned if I get stabbed, or shot, or w/e because of it. I think the cliche phrase really does sum it up best "better to be judged by 12, than carried by 6".

If your actions are reasonable, I think you'd be OK. If the D.A trys to charge you in a good shoot- the community erupts as was the case for Mr. Luke Sanchez here in New Mexico who shot a burglar that attacked him.