so this discussion comes up regularly and the lawyers argue with each other on the matter. Most of the self defense instructors and Legal assistance companies suggest staying inside your home. Mrs Trader insists we don't answer the door unless we are expecting someone and can see who it is. What is your take. https://athlonoutdoors.com/article/vigilant-vigilante-four-cases-armed-citizens-leaving-home/
Self Defense - outside the home vs staying inside
- Thread starter trader
- Start date
Bassbob
Emissary
Well I’m perfectly within my rights to meet force with force in my state. That said, it depends on the situation. One time many years ago my wife’s ex showed up at the door and when she answered he started calling her a whore and blah blah blah. I moved her out of the way, went outside and closed the door behind me. Let’s just say he never came to my house again after that.
People I don’t know at the door ( and I saw you before you even got on the property) middle of the night or something, I ain’t answering. Why would I ? Certainly I’ll be right on the other side of the door with a shotgun but…….
Old_Me
SAINT
since this discussion, debate, argument comes up so often, all i can continue to say is what many other experts have said....."Do not go outside, your case of self defense gets blown out of the water"...
Paul Harrell has said this, Massad Ayoub has said this.
also too, depends on what state one lives in, and if you can go outside to defend your property.
Paul Harrell has said this, Massad Ayoub has said this.
also too, depends on what state one lives in, and if you can go outside to defend your property.
Sld1959
Ronin
I do not know you, you can talk to me thru the ring doorbell, maybe. Nothing outside that is worth exposing myself to danger, leaving my wife now vulnerable. She is my number 1 priority.
Force way into the house or otherwise endanger the occupants, thrn that's an entirely different matter.
Force way into the house or otherwise endanger the occupants, thrn that's an entirely different matter.
Unless you have a well setup security camera coverage , you don't know how many are out there. I have gone out many times when I as younger to investigate what the dog was barking about. These days I would stay inside and dial 911 and wait. If they are stupid enough to come inside , I will give them an education.
Lock n' Load
Custom
+1 for staying inside and calling 911. Both of our cars have loud alarms which can be heard from anywhere inside, disable the ignition system until reset with key fobs, and also send an alarm to my cell phone. Neither one has ever been triggered, except by me to ensure proper function. I'm staying inside until the LEO's arrive. If the perp(s) attempt a break in, I'll be there, fully prepared to lawfully defend our home and ourselves. As for the cars and any other items outside, it's all fully insured.
IMO wherever we find ourselves, look after you and yours first - It's been said you can buy another car/watch etc, but you can't buy another life. Unless it's immediate and threat of serious harm or death, staying out of it might be best, depending on circumstances of course.
Talyn
SAINT
As per BB's statement, all folks should be aware of your states laws/rules regarding where, what & when lethal force can be applied.
In my state...
Use Of Force In Defense Of Person
45-3-102. Use of force in defense of person. A person is justified in the use of force or threat to use force against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that the conduct is necessary for self-defense or the defense of another against the other person's imminent use of unlawful force. However, the person is justified in the use of force likely to cause death or serious bodily harm only if the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm to the person or another or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.Use of force in defense of occupied structure.
45-3-103 (1) A person is justified in the use of force or threat to use force against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that the use of force is necessary to prevent or terminate the other person's unlawful entry into or attack upon an occupied structure. (2) A person justified in the use of force pursuant to subsection (1) is justified in the use of force likely to cause death or serious bodily harm only if:(a) the entry is made or attempted and the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent an assault upon the person or another then in the occupied structure; or
(b) the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent the commission of a forcible felony in the occupied structure.
and to protect property...
Use Of Force In Defense Of Other Property
45-3-104. Use of force in defense of other property. A person is justified in the use of force or threat to use force against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that the conduct is necessary to prevent or terminate the other person's trespass on or other tortious or criminal interference with either real property, other than an occupied structure, or personal property lawfully in the person's possession or in the possession of another who is a member of the person's immediate family or household or of a person whose property the person has a legal duty to protect. However, the person is justified in the use of force likely to cause death or serious bodily harm only if the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.and more here...
None requires a person to stay indoors.
I tried that. Wife wouldn’t let me back in and the dog peed on me.