When is it legal to use deadly force when you are protecting yourself from being harmed?

Answer 1

When you believe your life is in danger. * Loosely defined it means if a person has no means of escape or sanctuary (such as a locked room) they may take whatever action needed to prevent themselves and/or others from physical harm. In some states a homeowner shooting someone who breaks in would not be subject to charges, other states require that the intruder be armed in such a way as to present physical danger to the inhabitants. Whether or not it was necessary for an intended victim/victim to use "deadly force" is almost always decided by the physical evidence and circumstances of individual cases and not by the existing laws. Case in point, a New York taxi driver was recently given a 12 year sentence for running down a man who had robbed him at gun point. The premise being that the robber had already left the taxi and was no longer a threat therefore the driver had no reason to inflict bodily harm upon the perpetrator/victim.

Answer 2

It depends on where you are. For instance, in the U.S. not every state has the exact same laws. A very basic rundown is: in some states, a homeowner can use deadly force once an intruder has entered the dwelling. In some states, a homeowner can use deadly force before the intruder is in the house as long as they osee a threat and are on the property. In some states, the homeowner cannot use deadly force unless the intruder has a weapon.

Answer 3

You must be familiar with the laws governing this matter in your own state. In several states you do not have to ascertain if the intruder in your home is armed or not. The "Castle Doctrine" laws of these states do not require that you retreat, and they permit the use deadly force in the case of an armed assault against you and/or against a forced intrusion of your residence under ANY circumstances. Check your state's laws to determine your options.

Answer 4

Yes there is