three seven said:
Wasn't there an organisation in Texas that offered its members a reward for shooting burglars? They put notices in their windows explaining the scheme and burglaries in the neighbourhood fell to virtually nothing. Or did I just make that up?
I think that's urban legend. I've never heard of such, and I've lived in Texas many years. And it's quite illegal to solicit such acts. Outright solicitation of commission of possible assault is prohibited. That would be like offering a bounty and that of course is quite illegal. It's like setting booby traps. Verboten.
However, in each state where the citizens were given the right to carry concealed handguns, random assault and muggings have plummeted. Duh.
Our system is of course based on English Common Law, except that the principle of Home as Castle is less infringed upon here that it is in Mother Country. And we still generally have the right to possess firearms in our homes.
Each state has variances in the law. For example, in some states, the law requires that you first attempt to flee from your residence, and then if unable, you may use lethal force to defend yourself. However in most states it's not incumbent upon you to flee from attack, providing you're in your home.
The law is quite specific, and as I see it, reasonable. The law never says "It's okay to shoot someone" because that's an explicit statute. Instead, it's implicit -- "It is a defence against prosecution (you being prosecuted by the government) if you fear for your life or the life of companions."
There's no "license to kill" but instead, specific cases in which you may justifiably shoot someone: A break-in into your home, where you fear for your life, in other words.
But if a burglar's surprised and flees, and you chase after him across the neighbor's yards, and shoot him? You'll probably go to prison.
I myself have a concealed carry permit, but that does not confer upon me any police powers nor does it provide me greater justification for shooting someone. It simply allows me to carry a pistol concealed on my person (or in my car) most of the time. I would still have to be attacked and fear for my life before I could claim justification in using that weapon to defend myself.
We can discuss this at length in email or in an off-topic section if you wish. Just let me know.