Inspired by a recent class on North Carolina law and several insipient remarks I've lately witnessed I offer the following.

Disclaimer: This pertains to North Carolina but in general dispels several myths about American laws involving deadly force legality.

In order to be legal, the use of deadly force to defend yourself must meet three criteria.

You must feel you are in imminent danger of serious bodily injury, sexual assault or death.

Imminent means immediate. Serious bodily injury means crippling and/or non-repairable. Sexual assault generally means rape. Deadly force means killing or attempting to kill.

Aside from legal terminology you must be able to convince a judge and jury of your fear and that any reasonable person would have done the same.

Additionally, even if not charged with a crime or found not guilty in a criminal court you may be found guilty in a civil case for monetary damages.

The use of force used to defend yourself must not exceed the force used against you. Simply put, you cannot kill someone for punching you.

You cannot use deadly force to defend property unless you feel that you may be seriously harmed or killed during a theft.

However, if in your home or vehicle you may use deadly force upon an intruder without an actual threat to yourself. It is assumed in such a case that your safety is already compromised.

An addition to this has been added to include your place of work but it is extremely complicated and was added to the law after several workplace shootings.

These laws apply to any weapon including guns, knives, etc.

You can use deadly force to defend someone else but you must meet the same criteria and you must be sure that the person you use force against was the instigator.

Complicated for sure. The key point is to be able to communicate your fear of injury or death to the police and if necessary in court.

By the way, there are several legal organizations that provide council and court support insurance for a monthly cost of $50 or less.

The alternative would be to hire a criminal defence attorney for literally thousands of dollars just for a retainer.

The House of the Rising Intelligence

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