James Witherspoon asked:

Self defense is often used as justification for something that would usually be illegal an action. While self defense can mean physically hurting a person, it is most often associated with killing another individual when someone feels his or her wellbeing was in jeopardy.

Assuming the latter, there is a fine line between self defense and murder. What usually separates the two is the circumstance under which each occurs.

In most cases, murder is defined as unlawfully killing another human being with intent. Killing another in self defense may also have intent, as the individual intended to protect him or herself from harm. The difference is that killing in self defense is a lawful act.

While this may seem unreasonable on the surface, there is justification for killing in self defense. Most individuals naturally respond to danger in a way that will best protect their lives. For instance, an individual being attacked by another individual would likely try to retreat. If this is not possible, the individual is likely to fight back.

For an act to be considered self defense, there must be reasonable cause supporting the action. Reasonable cause is generally defined as reacting to a situation in a logical manner. If an individual is being attacked, it is usually reasonable for him or her to fight back to defend his or her life, for example.

Reasonable cause is up to the court’s discretion. Properly presenting your case is essential to receiving a favorable ruling, which is why it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to handle your case.

In some cases, proving self defense may be easy or it may be hard. The court may be more likely to rule a killing as being in self defense if an individual kills an intruder trying to rob his or her home. The court may be less likely to call a killing self defense if an individual kills someone buying groceries.

There may be reasonable cause in both cases. This is just to show that presentation of the facts is key. If an individual is incorrectly represented, he or she may be wrongfully convicted of murder rather than acquitted on the grounds of self defense.

self defense

Alexander Sutton asked:

The idea of a walking stick as a cane, or some sort of aid for walking, is a very recent one. Unsurprisingly, a remnant of a more violent culture has been co-opted, and now we have beautifully cared and ornate walking sticks for young and old, men and women, hikers and casual walkers. But in the not so distant past, walking sticks had a very different purpose. In fact, walking sticks were used as weapons. And that’s not a surprising revelation. How could it be? Irish walking sticks are tall, they are heavy, and they used to be stuffed with lead! Other walking sticks were made from very knotty, very rough, very strong wood. This would increase the amount of damage inflicted on the unwary attacker in the case of self defense.

But you wouldn’t see people walking down a city or a suburban street with a large walking stick, prepared to beat the heck out of something. And why is that? Because generally, it’s illegal to beat people into a pulp. It’s also not the most convenient example of a self-defense weapon-mace works much better in many situations, and it’s easier to carry around. So when might one use a walking stick for self defense? In the best environment for heavy, long walking sticks-the wilderness!

Walking sticks are great to use when hiking, and if you are hiking in a remote, wild area, you could risk an attack from a wild animal. Generally, wild animals are more frightened of people than not, but the occasional one will make a bid for an attack. Other times, you might simply cross paths with a wildcat, a bear, a wolf, a badger, or something else that you probably don’t want to meet. In those cases, it’s nobody’s fault, but you’ve still got to be careful to defend yourself. You can do that by using a walking stick to make yourself appear larger and more intimidating-animals will generally avoid attacking unknown creatures larger than themselves. If that is not enough, you might have to use the long walking stick to keep the animal at bay.

A walking stick is a great tool for self defense, though these days, it is most suited for self defense from animals.

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Pete Kauffer asked:

If you keep a firearm in your home for self defense purposes make sure to become proficient with its use and operation. Be aware of local laws regarding owning a firearm. Most areas require you register handguns with local law enforcement agencies. Always keep firearms away from young children.

If you need to register in person ask for some information and instruction on the particular firearm you have purchased. If you are looking to purchase a firearm ask your local law enforcement agency for their recommendation. Since law enforcement is in the business of protecting the public and not the sale of firearms they may be able to suggest a better option than the salesperson at the local gun store.

Many areas now require gun locks, especially on handguns. This can create difficulties if a self defense situation presents itself. Become very good at removing the lock by practicing removing the lock often. The only way a firearm is of any value is if it is usable in a life threatening situation.

Practice removing the lock in the dark and when you first wake up in the morning. Even practice if you just wake up in the middle of the night. Often the need to use a firearm is during a time like that just described. Many break-ins are perpetrated at night while the victims are sleeping. By practicing during the hours you are not fully awake the better you will become at removing the lock during a self defense encounter.

self defense

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