Talk:Self-defense (United States)

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Contents 1 Self Defence or Murder? 1.1 This case is murder 2 assault 3 Does the US care about its people at all?

[edit] Self Defence or Murder?

I have a question about a situation in which a person is forced to kill another person (directly or indirectly) in order to save him or her self, even if that other person is not the apparent cause of imminent threat. For example if a lion is chasing a friend and me, can I trip my friend so that he falls and gets eaten by the lion if it means that I will escape certain death? Will I be held culpable for killing that person? It may not be the greatest example, but the general idea is there. 01:02, 10 Aug 2006 (UTC)

[edit] This case is murder

Because you are taken action which causes another death that isn't threating you.

[edit] assault

Is it a open closed self- defense case when a person is outside with two other people- One of which she knows. The thrid party sucker punches the known male and he is knocked out on the side walk - she then attacks the assalent of whom she does not know, later being arrested for harrassment in the second degree?

[edit] Does the US care about its people at all?

These self-defense rules are crap. For all the defender knows, the criminal has gun(s)/lethal hand-to-hand/knives/a bomb on him. In reality, you have to assume that your life is as stake and that its either you or him. If you just retreat (duty to retreat), the criminal may go after someone else. As an American, I just don't see how these rules are practical in a real situation and I don't see how someone can relaibly defend his/her self without getting arrested by the police for assault/homicide. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.109.87.22 (talk) 03:21, 8 October 2007 (UTC)