Thursday, July 17, 2008

Brits Can Now Legally Defend Themselves Against Burglars and Muggers

Huh? The legal right to self-defense? Isn't this obvious? But apparently not.

Here is a news story that shouldn't be a news story. It should be common sense. Then again, this is the UK, where another approach seems current. Anyway, this is the news blurb now:

Home owners and “have-a go-heroes” have for the first time been given the legal right to defend themselves against burglars and muggers free from fear of prosecution.

They will be able to use force against criminals who break into their homes or attack them in the street without worrying that "heat of the moment” misjudgements could see them brought before the courts.

Under new laws police and prosecutors will have to assess a person’s actions based on the person’s situation "as they saw it at the time” even if in hindsight it could be seen as unreasonable.

For example, homeowners would be able stab or shoot a burglar if confronted or tackle them and use force to detain them until police arrive. Muggers could be legally punched and beaten in the street or have their own weapons used against them.

WELL, I SHOULD HOPE SO! Read the whole thing.

What really gets me is the sense of novelty in the writing. Wow, you mean law-abiding citizens can actually use force against scumbags who attack them? Well, golly! You mean that if some criminal breaks into my home, I can legally defend myself and my property? What a concept!

*MM hugs her Second Amendment.*

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