With the crime in the city getting worse more people I know seem to be arming themselves, which is a good thing. That being said, I wanted to put some information out there that anyone who decides to carry should know. If you are going to carry a weapon, you should have a clear line drawn as to when you should and will use it. Dont even pull it out if you arent prepared to kill someone, and justified in doing so. In order to justify the use of lethal force, i.e., establishing the defense of self-defense, the discharge of a firearm at another person shall be instituted only when ALL of the following apply: 1) You were not at fault or did not create the situation that gave rise to the taking of another’s life. 2) You believe you were in danger of imminent death or great bodily harm. 3) You must not have violated any opportunity to retreat or avoid the danger. 4) You have exhausted all other means to avoid the use of deadly force. 5) The use of deadly force presents no substantial risk of injury to innocent persons. If you are justified and capable, there is something else you should keep in mind. A person who would give you a justifiable reason to use deadly force is a violent criminal, and violent criminals do not have mercy or worry about consequences, so you are already at a disadvantage even if you are properly trained. Also, fear will not always be a factor for some criminals, they have experience with violence, so pulling a gun out may only escalate the situation. Avoid trouble when you can, dont pull a weapon unless you are prepared to use it, and if you know for a fact you have no choice dont hesitate. Im only putting this out there because it seems many people are starting to carry, and the next thing I see happening is an innocent person going to prison, or even worse, someone getting killed with their own weapon. Know what youre able, willing, and legally justified to do before it happens. Be safe.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 18:32:08 +0000