Most Americans believe they have the right to defend their family and property from crime. The general belief is that you must defend yourself and loved ones. Unfortunately, citizens and lawmakers do not always agree on the extent of the force you should be allowed to use to defend yourself. Under many present laws, it is possible for you to begin as a crime victim and end up as the accused. Our judicial system is probably the best in the world, but it is also a myriad of conflicting laws.



To the average American, rules on this subject are vague . These laws vary from place to place. One state may be lenient in the use of deadly force when defending yourself. While, another will spare no expense in prosecuting you in protection of a suspected criminals rights. While we all agree that human rights are worth preserving, most of us believe criminals forfeit those rights. Outrage has moved most states to adopt victim friendly laws in this matter. It is still an area of intense debate.

Lawmakers wrestle with the problem of allowing victims the right to defend themselves at all cost and the potential consequences of such decisions. Laws intended for good have sometimes been misused or abused. The concern is that liberal self defense laws may lead to other crimes. Individuals who have chosen a life of crime, maybe able to manipulate laws and get away with injuring or even killing innocent people.

When someone breaks into your home, or attacks you, you do not have time to decide their intent. You must believe that they may cause you harm. The criminals right to safety should not be your problem. Your only concern should be taking action which will allow you enough time to get you and your loved ones out of danger. The criminals intent is only known by the criminal and is therefore their own problem. You just want to defend yourself and your family. Detail analysis before you take action can get you killed.

When a criminal commits a crime against you, they have the liberty of using deadly force at any time. The victim should have the same right. If the criminal has no intention of hurting you, then they would not commit the crime in the first place. Victims do not just decide to use deadly force.

Most of the time the force used will consist of whatever is handy. If you kill a criminal with a golf club, then so be it. Most of the time you will not know you have used deadly force until much later. You will not stick around to find out. Your aim will probably be to stop the attack and get to safety.

Most people are under the assumption that they will be treated fairly, if they have to use deadly force to stop a criminal. While we have the best justice system in the world, it is not without flaws. People have had to endure tedious trials and have even been convicted of crimes in the process of defending themselves. When it comes to self defense, most people believe you must do what it takes to survive.

You must assume the worst. If a person is bold enough to break into your home, then it is apparent they have little concern for you. Its not your job to ensure that your criminal is safe. The criminals gives up all his rights to safety when he decides to commit a crime. If you are being attacked you do not have time to decide what is reasonable force. You are trying to stop the attack. Sometimes you maybe driven beyond what is considered to be reasonable force. Fortunately, the large majority of crimes can be prevented or deterred. Many can be stopped with minimal force.