Gun class not required by my state - What'd I miss?

[RPCVYemen]

Huh? You did say "and issue a threat". Does that mean that someone can be pointing a gun at you, BUT if they are not mugging you or angry at you, you are not justified in defending your life?? Hmmm, maybe you live in Massachusetts.

Think again - someone could be very angry at you, walk up to you with a gun in holster. They would have motive, means, and opportunity but have issued no threat. I'm not clear on what the state has to do with it, but I think you'd find yourself in trouble in most states for shooting in that case.

Do you know the law to be different in you state? If you walk into an elevator (opportunity) and encounter a someone with whom you've had an acrimonious business relationship (motive), and you realize that they have a CCW and are packing (means), can you just shoot them in your state, whether they threaten you or not.

I am not a lawyer, but I feel pretty confident that a threat of a death or serious bodily harm is in fact necessary to establish self defense in many states. I think that's try in most states. Is it different where you live?

Mike

 

[Waitone]

NC takes pains to acquaint the prospect with the law, but tends to minimize proficiency with a firearm though there is a course of shootng designed to demonstrate.

SC takes pains to demonstrate proficiency with lethal, legal force being of secondary importance.

A cut and paste job would create a pretty good program.

 

[SteveS]

In a nutshell (and speaking generally), lethal force may be used when it is necessary to prevent an imminent attack that could cause death or serious injury. There are other nuances and aspects that vary from state to state. As some have suggested, it is worthwhile to have instruction on the legal aspects of deadly force in your state.