The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Defense of Self/Property Prosecution in MA

MLeake · January 15, 2012, 02:06 PM

Pbearperry, re-read the OP. His friend did NOT use lethal force, he punched the guy, and that was after the guy attacked him when confronted.

That is physical force, and it was physical force applied in response to a physical attack. This would be legal in most US jurisdictions; in fact, physical force to defend property would be allowed in the majority.

Deadly force regulations don't really apply to the example given.

The DA in Essex apparently wanted to send a "don't confront thieves" signal.

January 15, 2012, 02:06 PM	#19
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	Pbearperry, re-read the OP. His friend did NOT use lethal force, he punched the guy, and that was after the guy attacked him when confronted. That is physical force, and it was physical force applied in response to a physical attack. This would be legal in most US jurisdictions; in fact, physical force to defend property would be allowed in the majority. Deadly force regulations don't really apply to the example given. The DA in Essex apparently wanted to send a "don't confront thieves" signal.