[debrunsky]

New to guns, after reading these posts I am confused when it is ok to use deadly force away from home.
Please set me straight.

Thanks

 

[Twiggy]

Take a good ccw course, u will learn a lot. U shouldnt carry a gun without allllll the information you need to know. My class was 7 hours long, ex cop was the instructor...he used up allll 7 hours with info

 

[Diablo]

I believe this is valid 100% of the time in any state, but some states probably require less.

UseofForce.us: AOJP

 

[GunnyBunny]

Pick up a copy of "In the Gravest Extreme" by Massad Ayoob.

Amazon.com: In the Gravest Extreme: The Role of the Firearm in Personal Protection (0749522009954): Massad F. Ayoob: Books

It's a must read!!

 

[JD]

New to guns, after reading these posts I am confused when it is ok to use deadly force away from home.
Please set me straight.

Thanks

It depends on where are. Every state has different laws. Are you taking away from home like out running errands? Or away from home in a different state?

 

[farronwolf]

Check the laws of your particular state to start with, that will give you the "legal" starting point for yourself.

There is no simple answer to your question after you know your state law. Then you have to consider how much risk your willing to take. This might very well depend again on where you live, what family you have, or any number of other factors.

The question you asked was simple, the answer, not so much so.

 

[jrdoranz]

Def good advice re the CCW course.. And also, if you move or carry in a different State, the standard of legal liability could vary.

Check out the "Castle Doctrine" -- +P+ gunowner protection in Florida, and adopted in several other States. Sure wish mine (Virginia) would get around to get -- PRONTO!


Dist. Life Member-NRA
2nd Amendment Democrat
Vietnam-era Army Vet

 

[archer51]

If you haven't already taken a CC course you need to take one. They should give you the basics of your states use of deadly force rules. Also research laws for your state for further information.

 

[RETSUPT99]

Taking a course is probably the only way you can emerse yourself into the reasons for and against the use of deadly force. My wife had all kinds of questions about that very issue...she found a 4-6 hour CCW course quite inlightening.:smile:

I would be quite careful about carrying a concealed weapon (CCW) prior to having a clear understanding of the parameters of using deadly force in your state, or any other state that you visit.:yup:

Stay armed...know and understand your state's laws...stay safe!

 

[Ram Rod]

New to guns, after reading these posts I am confused when it is ok to use deadly force away from home.
Please set me straight.

Thanks

Three words. Shoot to live no matter where you are. If you don't live, all of this will mean nothing to you

 

[pax]

The UseofForce.us link above is a good one.

Here are two more that may help, from my own website: Cornered Cat - Ability, Opportunity, Jeopardy and Cornered Cat - Legal Myths

Pick up a copy of Ayoob's In the Gravest Extreme -- or better still, take a class from him at the earliest opportunity. His lifework has been explaining and clarifying these concepts for ordinary folks like us, and he is a master at it.

pax

 

[Bill MO]

This will work in most any state. Use the acronym IDOL [Immediate Defense of Life] Ask yourself this question. "If I do not act, will someone die or be seriosly injured? If the answer is YES then is is time to go! If answer is NO leave it in the holster!!

 

[Eagleks]

My .02 cents : IF someone is about to kill you or try to kill you, use whatever force is necessary to stop them. Anything else, find another way of handling it.

 

[Stevew]

For Mississippi I would read Senate Bill 2426. http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2006/html/SB/2400-2499/SB2426PS.htm
The bill is only 2 1/4 pages of large type.

 

[ccw9mm]

I am confused when it is ok to use deadly force away from home.

In one phrase, essentially, justified use of lethal force requires that the innocent be in immediate and otherwise unavoidable danger of death or grave bodily harm.

Basically, as others have said: if you're legitimately threatened, what're you gonna do ... pause to whip out the legal text until you can find the applicable state code that covers what you're about to do? Absolutely not. If you're legitimately threatened, absolutely defend. If you're at legitimate risk of losing your life, defend even up to the point of using deadly force to defend it.

Keep in mind the "Reasonable Man Standard," in which you are given legal authority to decide what's reasonable right then and there, but ultimately your peers (in a jury) get the authority to determine what was reasonable, in hindsight. Ensure you know how this applies to your state's laws related to self-defense.

Read this: Justifiable self defense.

Acquire a copy of Massad Ayoob's book, In The Gravest Extreme. Read it a second time.

Consider taking one or two weekend seminars on self-defense and the justifiable, legal use of force in your state. Each state's laws are different. Some states restrict you nearly to the point of inability to defend yourself without stepping in one of a tangle of legal potholes seemingly placed there to trip you up. In many states, "Castle" laws seek to protect the absolute right of a person to defend against violent crime. You need to learn to know and love your state's laws on the use of force, the use of lethal force, the concealed carry and open carry laws ... until you can feel them in your bones. Find a good attorney who is competent in the successful defense of folks involved in self-defense shootings against criminals.

 

[Bart]

New to guns, after reading these posts I am confused when it is ok to use deadly force away from home.
Please set me straight.

Thanks

In Arizona we have the Castle Doctrine that gives a person the right to use force in home or vehicle against an intruder without having to retreat. Also, bill (SB1145) passed in 2006 imposes the burden of proof on prosecutors to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant's self-defense claim was unfounded. Prosecutors were really upset saying the bill opens the door for abuses in which one of the only two people involved in a violent incident is dead and can't appear in court to refute a self-defense claim. Be it at home, in the car, or away from home, we no longer have to go broke proving our innocence. :hand10:

 

[BugDude]

Keep in mind the "Reasonable Man Standard," in which you are given legal authority to decide what's reasonable right then and there, but ultimately your peers (in a jury) get the authority to determine what was reasonable, in hindsight.

In this scenario, your fate rests with 12 people who were not smart enough to get out of jury duty. Scary reality.

 

[MitchellCT]

Take this class:

Tactical Response

And you will see the light.

YouTube - Tactical Response - THE FIGHT - Force on Force Scenarios

 

[AFVet1982]

I'd like to add something to the point about Castle Doctrine: the NRA publishes an annual "Guide to the Firearm Laws of the 50 States" (I may be a bit off on the title) that will give you an idea of where your state's Castle Doctrine compares with others, both stronger and weaker. If the law is weak and does not provide a homeowner or other law-abiding citizen with adequate protection (this has to be as it is defined by you), then contact your state-level elected representatives and push for legislation to strengthen it. I'm not trying to promote the book, the NRA, or anything else, just make you aware of some sources of important info.

Two other important things to know are whether your state's law has a pre-emption clause (prevents individual cities from banning legal concealed carry practitioners within their city limits) and reciprocity with other states (most important if you travel outside the state or live near a state line like me).

Thanks for the chance to contribute to the discussion.

 

[sniper58]

Welcome to the forum and to our world. I suggest your first course of action is to find a local instructor to teach you the basics. Safety always comes first as well as the mechanics. From there, a good concealed class will teach you a lot. Florida's was one day, Colorado's was one day and New Mexico's was 2 days (yeah, it sucks to move). After that, I suspect you'll be hooked on shooting sports and want more. Others have suggested several good schools (Front Sight is in the mix). Good luck, stay safe & welcome!