Let's Talk About Self Defense

[Shanvanvocht]

One of the best things I ever did was take the required class to get my CCW permit.

I agree. The classes here cover not only statutory but also case law as well as de-escalation and "Castle Doctrine" and "Stand your Ground." I convinced my wife to take the course, even though she has no desire or intent to carry, just so she understands what is, or is not, the law regarding SD in the home. (Yes, she got her CWP, there being no further expense after the class.) SC has not gone permitless yet, but there is a bill pending in the State Senate. I just wish that everyone who wishes to exercise their right, if and when Constitutional Carry passes, would have the good sense to take the class anyway. Unfortunately, I'm not that optimistic.

 

[JDGray]

Rittenhouse did everything right, except inserting yourself into a riot.(don't do that!) That young man did everything in his power, to get out of harms way, only resorted to deadly force when he was boxed in by a mob(shouting who knows what to him) Now he has to live with his actions the rest of his life. A friend of mine just shot a man in self defense, and I pray charges are not brought upon him. He is having a hard time dealing with his actions.

 

[Atavar]

To my mind one absolutely needs to have familiarity with the law as regards self defense.
Having said that it is not about knowing the law so that you can feel confident in killing someone when it is ok and permissible to do so.
Rather it is about using deadly force *only* when it is absolutely necessary and you have absolutely no other choice.
If you have time to think about legalities you probably have time for other options.

 

[Craig_AR]

As proposed on many threads on THR, one of the best sources to learn about the legal implications of a self defense shooting is Andrew Branca and his Law of Self Defense book and course. He has addressed all of the aspects found in this thread.
The most economical route is to the advantage of his free book offer [edit adds, you do have to pay for shipping] currently (Jan 2022) on his site. Or, you can pay $25 for it on Amazon. Of course, you have to actually study the book, not just leave it on your rountuit table.
More accessible, but more expensive, is his video course, which is quite good. Just be sure to buy both his full course and his shorter state-specific course for your state(s).
Tip: the slides from his state-specific courses are available for $10 each from Amazon as Kindle books.
Better tip: the book includes the state-specific details for all states in an appendix.

Note that Massad Ayoob also teaches these issues from a different perspective, and in his book Deadly Force: Understanding Your Right to Self Defense he tells readers to also read Branca's book. In Law of Self Defense Branca tells folks to read Ayoob's book, and credits an Ayoob class for prompting him to write his book.

 

[Atavar]

I thought “free” meant something you didn’t have to pay money to get?

 

[Craig_AR]

I thought “free” meant something you didn’t have to pay money to get?

The book is free. You do have to pay shipping charge. Compare with the cost of ordering at Amazon.