First off let me reiterate you need to consult a lawyer for legal advice. I am NOT a lawyer and nothing I say should be construed as legal advice.
Like most things in life the use of force is governed by rules. Law enforcement organizations will have policy based on law in which they can operate. Citizens have law, each state should have a code or statue discussing both homicide and justifiable homicide (or something very similar). Idaho for instance Idaho Code 18-4009 Justifiable Homicide by Any Person, which covers when it is acceptable for someone to defend themselves in Idaho. If I am planning to carry a firearm for the protection of my family and myself, I had better be certain what the state says that it is okay for me to do so.
Have a thorough understanding of the rules in any context is a good idea if you may be called upon to make a split-second decision. If you know what the rule is, you don’t have to wonder if your actions are the correct ones. Knowledge really is power in this setting. The alternative would be to remain wondering if your actions are correct, and the doubt this could cause may cause enough of a delay in your response to place you in danger.
Other sections of the law you should make yourself familiar with are those covering homicide, assault, and battery. I say this because while a situation could begin with you properly defending yourself there are actions you could take which may not be justified. Understanding the law, and not a cursory reading or worst relying on what TV or someone on the internet says, will help keep you safe because you will know what you can and can’t do.
Reading case law, the judgements after a court case has been ruled on, are extremely informative as well.
A technique the Border Patrol taught was the phrase “Means, Opportunity, Intent”. If I was going to take physical action against another and claim they were trying to cause harm, then that person needed to have all three things: the means to cause the harm, the opportunity to cause the harm, and the intent to cause the harm. If any of these three things are missing than, I wasn’t justified. I liked the simple approach, but again a thorough understanding of policy was needed to make the whole thing work.
What does the Bible say about defending oneself? Quite a bit actually, both using it and not overusing it:
- Luke 11:21 NKJV When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace.
- Exodus 22:2 NKJV If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed.
- Psalm 82: 3-4 NKJV Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked.
- Philippians 2:4 NKJV Let each of you look out not only for his interests, but also for the interests of others.
- Proverbs 25:26 NKJV A righteous man who faulters before the wicked is like a murky spring and a polluted well.
- Roman 12:19 NKJV Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
So, there is a second set of rules we are bound by. If you study the Biblical sections discussing force and the warriors, you will find using force is acceptable to keep yourself and others save. Also finding it is very clear there is a line you shouldn’t cross and if the intent is for vengeance, you are in the wrong.
Hopefully you never are placed in a situation where you may have to defend yourself and others. These are highly dynamic situations; it is a good idea to set yourself up for success with knowledge beforehand. You are going to have to answer for your actions afterwards, that knowledge will make is easier to be certain you are acting justifiably.
-Joe
Outpost 95 