Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation?

CampingJosh · 12-29-2010, 10:04 PM

For those of us who live in states with Stand Your Ground laws, the option of using deadly force in defense of oneself or of another comes without the threat of civil and criminal litigation (for the most part). (This same thing is true within the home of people in Castle Doctrine states.)

It has been argued that the specific codified exemption from prosecution and civil suits works to embolden gun owners so that they are more likely to use deadly force in a self-defense situation where that person could possibly have evaded harm himself without inflicting serious injury/death on his assailant.

Without having been there, no one knows exactly how he will react in a given situation. That said, how many of you take into account the intricacies of the legal ramifications of using a firearm in self-defense when planning responses to life-threatening situations.

CampingJosh · 12-29-2010, 10:17 PM

Also, I know the options listed above are not a perfect description of every mindset. Please share what yours actually is.

oscarmayer · 12-30-2010, 03:55 AM

my first choice will always be retreat if possible. the taking of a life no matter now worthless should never be taken lightly. but if presented with no other option i will send the sob to hell before god gets the news (quick). then i call an ambulance and say absolutly silent until i have my lawyer next to me.

oscarmayer · 12-30-2010, 05:35 AM

a little more on the subject, as it was once explained to me by a judge in a civil law suit against me " this isn't dodge city in the 1800's " lucky for me i was "on the job" at the time and i did not have to pay my own legal fees because it would of ruined me. cost is a big factor but not as big as countless hours of lost sleep, the second guessing yourself, the aftermath and effects on everyone involved. even creeps have families, wifes children mother and fathers. the taking of a life is an awesome thing not to be taken lightly. yes sometimes you're left no choice but in your mind you'll forever replay the situation and always wonder what you could of done differently, what words could you had used to defuse the situation etc.... for those that feel they would shoot first ask questions later either have never had to take a life or have more money than brains, and in my opinion are wrong headed.

Jay · 12-30-2010, 08:54 AM

I've taught folks for years, how to avoid a shooting situation.... then teach them how to shoot their way out. I'm a firm believer that the former is much preferable to the latter.

Indiana Code....

SECTION 1. IC 35-41-3-2 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]:
Sec. 2. (a) A person is justified in using reasonable force against another person to protect the person or a third person from what the person reasonably believes to be the imminent use of unlawful force. However, a person:
(1) is justified in using deadly force; only and
(2) does not have a duty to retreat;
if the person reasonably believes that that force is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury to the person or a third person or the commission of a forcible felony. No person in this state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting the person or a third person by reasonable means necessary.
(b) A person:
(1) is justified in using reasonable force, including deadly force, against another person; and
(2) does not have a duty to retreat;
if the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent or terminate the other person's unlawful entry of or attack on the person's dwelling, or curtilage, or occupied motor vehicle.
(c) With respect to property other than a dwelling, or curtilage, or an occupied motor vehicle, a person is justified in using reasonable force against another person if the person reasonably believes that the
force is necessary to immediately prevent or terminate the other person's trespass on or criminal interference with property lawfully in the person's possession, lawfully in possession of a member of the person's immediate family, or belonging to a person whose property the person has authority to protect. However, a person:
(1) is not justified in using deadly force; unless and
(2) does not have a duty to retreat;
only if that force is justified under subsection (a).

Boris · 12-30-2010, 09:11 AM

In a perfect world I would retreat as much as possible before I took deadly action. Then there is reality. I have a wife and two kids that I am rarely without atleast one of them. My first duty will be to make sure they can retreat to safety as fast as possible, not have me tripping over them as we all run because I can run faster than all of them.

Even if we are all safe and trouble comes lookin' for any of us I will remove the threat to my family first, then to myself. I took an oath to protect my wife and family. I will honor that oath. Then I will worry about laws........

edit: for them times I am all alone (rarely happens) I can run like no other for a looooong way and I wear my nikes everywhere.........

carver · 12-30-2010, 09:15 AM

My personal beliefs dictate that my first obligation is to win lost souls to Christ. I can't do that by putting bullets into the BG's. I will always look for a way out, other than using a gun, first. If I have no other options, then I will drop the hammer. Here in TX the law allows me to protect my property. If I return home, and find a BG running away with my TV, I can legally shoot him to protect my property. No matter what the law says I wouldn't shoot the BG for stealing my TV. No matter how low life the BG is, his life is still worth more than my TV. I will do what I can to stop him, or make him put the TV down to get away. But I won't shoot him.

oscarmayer · 12-30-2010, 09:33 AM

carver +1

RunningOnMT · 12-30-2010, 11:06 AM

Oscarmeyer and Carver, excellent comments. I have spent considerable time thinking about what I would do in various situations and have had to deal with my own tendancy to react emotionally in circumstances where things like personal property is involved. I become so incensed when someone feels it's ok to steal or damage the property of others, or even worse mug them for it, that I just shake. At those times I have visualized opening up on someone. Then the enormity of taking a human life hits me and I'm scared to death it could happen one day. So much so that I fear I might hesitate in a life or death situation.

I don't think a lot of people realize just what it means to take a life. People speak so casually about it. But even when in war it's something that is with you forever. One thing I'm sure of is you may have a righteous kill in the eyes of mans law but everyone will have to give an accounting to God one day.

tcox4freedom · 12-30-2010, 11:44 AM

The number ONE rule in self-defense is: "AVOIDANCE".

So, I will always go out of my way to "avoid" placing myself in a situation where I may have to FIGHT. (Regardless of any laws!)

That being said, the ability to "legally" stand my ground is one less worry that I have to be concerned with; "IF" I ever find myself having to resort to FORCE.

Plus 1+ for carver!

Jay · 12-30-2010, 11:58 AM

Situational awareness, and assessing one's daily activities will usually reveal areas of opportunity that might invite a confrontation. Just to become aware of those areas, may go a long way towards modifying your activities to eliminate those areas. If you can avoid having to deal with any laws, you're better off.

Just my two cents......

Bobitis · 12-30-2010, 05:40 PM

Far too many variables.

The second story windows in my home are not really an option for running away. If I did, the BG would have command and control.

On the street, running away from a threat to another just don't seem right.

Slabsides · 12-30-2010, 07:36 PM

I go out of my way to avoid confrontation. But if all else fails and I am persued/cornered and faced deadly harm or I see an imminent threat to my family, I will not hesitate to use deadly force....regardless of any law anywhere. Period.

I will NOT be ran from my own home. I will NOT be removed from my car. Fortunately, Alabama laws support this.

bayhawk2 · 01-02-2011, 10:57 AM

The "only" time you should draw your weapon is to "STOP an ATTACK".
TCOX4 is right.(Avoid an attack at all possible).Being Macho is not an option.
I know if I can,I'll just walk away.I'll call the police if needed.At one time
arguments were settled by fist.Those days seem to be long gone.

obxned · 01-05-2011, 11:47 AM

No matter what the law says, the first rule of a gunfight is be somewhere else when it happens.

Boris · 01-08-2011, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bayhawk2

Being Macho is not an option.

Its not being macho when your only other option is being a victim.

hunter29180 · 02-23-2011, 08:30 AM

Carver +2!!

I will only resort to the taking of anothers life IF it is nessary to protect anothers life or my own....other than that, i pay the police to take care of it. Property can be replaced much easier than a life, but if you ARE STUPID i can and will introduce you to your own PERSONAL flowerbed!

carver · 02-23-2011, 09:22 AM

Here is an example of stupidity. http://wsbradio.com/common/ap/2011/02/23/D9LIAMUG0.html If you put your self in harms way, you get what you deserve! Why did these folks think that sailing into pirate infested waters was a good idea? Why would a man think that taking a gun into a bar is a good idea? If you really want to be safe, then don't go where you know there is danger!

Radioman909 · 03-07-2011, 11:00 AM

Thank you carver for your views about human life and the Christian faith. I to am a follower and do not want to take a life. My view is that if it comes down to killing someone in my home we have all lost! I have also heard the other side of Christians, that claim under NO circumstances are we to take a human life. To that end the person was asked that if you came home and a man was raping your wife on the kitchen floor, would you take a gun and kill him?

The response was no, I would not. He said he would use physical force to remove him, but that was all. I do not believe this is what is taught in the Bible or by Jesus himself. We each have to ask ourselves that question, would you take their life, for your property, family or to save your own skin? And it amazes me that after a death every family member can try and sue you, but what about suing their family when I get killed? Just some food for thought.

carver · 03-07-2011, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radioman909

Thank you carver for your views about human life and the Christian faith. I to am a follower and do not want to take a life. My view is that if it comes down to killing someone in my home we have all lost! I have also heard the other side of Christians, that claim under NO circumstances are we to take a human life. To that end the person was asked that if you came home and a man was raping your wife on the kitchen floor, would you take a gun and kill him?

The response was no, I would not. He said he would use physical force to remove him, but that was all. I do not believe this is what is taught in the Bible or by Jesus himself. We each have to ask ourselves that question, would you take their life, for your property, family or to save your own skin? And it amazes me that after a death every family member can try and sue you, but what about suing their family when I get killed? Just some food for thought.

Welcome to the forium! My question to the man that said he would use physical force is this; what if the BG was a lot younger, and stronger than you? Physical force won't work, so what do you do?

Crpdeth · 03-07-2011, 07:30 PM

Welcome, Radio!

Good stuff, Carver.

Personally, these days, I would never set out to use deadly force, but to STOP the attacker, what ever works, with the least amount of force, of course every situation will be unique, if walking is an option, I'll walk, but the BG will be very aware that following me wouldn't be in his best interest... If left with no option, if my life or the life of an innocent person is in danger, well, God help me through the aftermath.

I've always said that every firearm owner should sit through at least one murder trial... It is a huge eye opener.

Crpdeth

Awtoman · 03-07-2011, 08:09 PM

I think there is a natural instinct in us all, certainly at least in me, that I sometimes fantasize about a scenario in which I am the defender of innocent human life. I think it goes to the instinct of wanting to prove your manhood, which with the constraints, regulations, and realities of modern life , doesn't always present opportunities to test yourself to your own satisfaction. However, I also think just as often about the realities of a self defense scenario, and realize that I probably will hold off until I am certain lethal force is absolutely justified/necessary, and hope I'm not too late if the situation arrises. In reality, I suspect it is a very difficult situation in the moment. I hope I am up to the task if and when the time comes. I hope I have the correct judgement to preserve all life, or take a life if neccesary. I wish this for all of us who may face this reality, and hope it never comes.
Absolutely, my life and the lives of those I love, and the lives of innocents, come before scum.

Tom

Double D · 03-08-2011, 11:07 AM

Leave me alone and I guarantee nobody ever gets hurt. Mess with me and things change. I will avoid anything I can, but I refuse to retreat from my castle. Anybody causing any type of bodily harm to any of my family will be met with leathal force. It is my desire to never have to cause fatal injury to anybody. But that can only be guaranteed by leaving me alone. I am a law abiding citizen and will do everything in my power to follow that law but my life and the lives of my loved ones trumps any law. Better to be judged by 12 than to be carried by 6.

hunter29180 · 03-08-2011, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radioman909

To that end the person was asked that if you came home and a man was raping your wife on the kitchen floor, would you take a gun and kill him?

The response was no, I would not. He said he would use physical force to remove him, but that was all.

i realize the above thoughts are not yours Radioman909!

my action would to plant the BG! i will guantee that if i just stopped him my wife would finish the job! then i would have to worry if she was going to plant me because i didnt do it in the first place!

also change the senerio to your 13 yr old daughter...do you have the same thoughts? i'm sure the damage done to her, if the BG survives, will be far more than if he didnt...not to mention how ahe would feel about you.

i say plant him..he will then become a true "flowerchild"!!

tech16024 · 03-08-2011, 12:13 PM

Become skilled enough with your weapon that center mass is only used as a last resort. I practice at targets the size of knees, hips, and shoulders. all that being said I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6. Learn to read situations and put yourself as far away from danger as possible.

View Poll Results: How do "stand your ground" laws affect your self-defense planning?
The laws don't matter. I will stand my ground to defend myself whether the law is there or not.	5	22.73%
The laws don't matter. If practical, I will try to retreat first before using deadly force.	12	54.55%
The laws matter. Now I can finally defend myself by whatever means necessary.	3	13.64%
The laws matter. Now I can defend myself without a thought toward what happens to "that vermin."	2	9.09%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 22. You may not vote on this poll

12-29-2010, 10:04 PM	#1
CampingJosh TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 4,786	Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? For those of us who live in states with Stand Your Ground laws, the option of using deadly force in defense of oneself or of another comes without the threat of civil and criminal litigation (for the most part). (This same thing is true within the home of people in Castle Doctrine states.) It has been argued that the specific codified exemption from prosecution and civil suits works to embolden gun owners so that they are more likely to use deadly force in a self-defense situation where that person could possibly have evaded harm himself without inflicting serious injury/death on his assailant. Without having been there, no one knows exactly how he will react in a given situation. That said, how many of you take into account the intricacies of the legal ramifications of using a firearm in self-defense when planning responses to life-threatening situations. __________________ Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice. Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do. -->

12-29-2010, 10:17 PM	#2
CampingJosh TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 4,786	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? Also, I know the options listed above are not a perfect description of every mindset. Please share what yours actually is. __________________ Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice. Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do.

12-30-2010, 03:55 AM	#3
oscarmayer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Contributor Posts: 2,387	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? my first choice will always be retreat if possible. the taking of a life no matter now worthless should never be taken lightly. but if presented with no other option i will send the sob to hell before god gets the news (quick). then i call an ambulance and say absolutly silent until i have my lawyer next to me.

12-30-2010, 05:35 AM	#4
oscarmayer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Contributor Posts: 2,387	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? a little more on the subject, as it was once explained to me by a judge in a civil law suit against me " this isn't dodge city in the 1800's " lucky for me i was "on the job" at the time and i did not have to pay my own legal fees because it would of ruined me. cost is a big factor but not as big as countless hours of lost sleep, the second guessing yourself, the aftermath and effects on everyone involved. even creeps have families, wifes children mother and fathers. the taking of a life is an awesome thing not to be taken lightly. yes sometimes you're left no choice but in your mind you'll forever replay the situation and always wonder what you could of done differently, what words could you had used to defuse the situation etc.... for those that feel they would shoot first ask questions later either have never had to take a life or have more money than brains, and in my opinion are wrong headed.

12-30-2010, 08:54 AM	#5
Jay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,286	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? I've taught folks for years, how to avoid a shooting situation.... then teach them how to shoot their way out. I'm a firm believer that the former is much preferable to the latter. Indiana Code.... SECTION 1. IC 35-41-3-2 IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006]: Sec. 2. (a) A person is justified in using reasonable force against another person to protect the person or a third person from what the person reasonably believes to be the imminent use of unlawful force. However, a person: (1) is justified in using deadly force; only and (2) does not have a duty to retreat; if the person reasonably believes that that force is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury to the person or a third person or the commission of a forcible felony. *No person in this state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting the person or a third person by reasonable means necessary.* (b) A person: (1) is justified in using reasonable force, including deadly force, against another person; and (2) does not have a duty to retreat; if the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent or terminate the other person's unlawful entry of or attack on the person's dwelling, or curtilage, or occupied motor vehicle. (c) With respect to property other than a dwelling, or curtilage, or an occupied motor vehicle, a person is justified in using reasonable force against another person if the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to immediately prevent or terminate the other person's trespass on or criminal interference with property lawfully in the person's possession, lawfully in possession of a member of the person's immediate family, or belonging to a person whose property the person has authority to protect. However, a person: (1) is not justified in using deadly force; unless and (2) does not have a duty to retreat; only if that force is justified under subsection (a). __________________ "For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected cannot taste." "USMC 8652, 2531, RVN Jun '67, - May 69"

12-30-2010, 09:11 AM	#6
Boris Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 607	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? In a perfect world I would retreat as much as possible before I took deadly action. Then there is reality. I have a wife and two kids that I am rarely without atleast one of them. My first duty will be to make sure they can retreat to safety as fast as possible, not have me tripping over them as we all run because I can run faster than all of them. Even if we are all safe and trouble comes lookin' for any of us I will remove the threat to my family first, then to myself. I took an oath to protect my wife and family. I will honor that oath. Then I will worry about laws........ edit: for them times I am all alone (rarely happens) I can run like no other for a looooong way and I wear my nikes everywhere......... Last edited by Boris; 12-30-2010 at 09:13 AM..

12-30-2010, 09:15 AM	#7
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,219	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? My personal beliefs dictate that my first obligation is to win lost souls to Christ. I can't do that by putting bullets into the BG's. I will always look for a way out, other than using a gun, first. If I have no other options, then I will drop the hammer. Here in TX the law allows me to protect my property. If I return home, and find a BG running away with my TV, I can legally shoot him to protect my property. No matter what the law says I wouldn't shoot the BG for stealing my TV. No matter how low life the BG is, his life is still worth more than my TV. I will do what I can to stop him, or make him put the TV down to get away. But I won't shoot him. __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

12-30-2010, 09:33 AM	#8
oscarmayer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Contributor Posts: 2,387	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? carver +1

12-30-2010, 11:06 AM	#9
RunningOnMT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Akron, Ohio Contributor Posts: 4,720	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? Oscarmeyer and Carver, excellent comments. I have spent considerable time thinking about what I would do in various situations and have had to deal with my own tendancy to react emotionally in circumstances where things like personal property is involved. I become so incensed when someone feels it's ok to steal or damage the property of others, or even worse mug them for it, that I just shake. At those times I have visualized opening up on someone. Then the enormity of taking a human life hits me and I'm scared to death it could happen one day. So much so that I fear I might hesitate in a life or death situation. I don't think a lot of people realize just what it means to take a life. People speak so casually about it. But even when in war it's something that is with you forever. One thing I'm sure of is you may have a righteous kill in the eyes of mans law but everyone will have to give an accounting to God one day.

12-30-2010, 11:44 AM	#10
tcox4freedom Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: South Carolina USA Posts: 937	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? The number ONE rule in self-defense is: *"AVOIDANCE". So, I will always go out of my way to "avoid" placing myself in a situation where I may have to FIGHT. (Regardless of any laws!)* That being said, the ability to "legally" stand my ground is one less worry that I have to be concerned with; "IF" I ever find myself having to resort to FORCE. Plus 1+ for carver! Last edited by tcox4freedom; 12-30-2010 at 11:48 AM..

12-30-2010, 11:58 AM	#11
Jay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,286	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? Situational awareness, and assessing one's daily activities will usually reveal areas of opportunity that might invite a confrontation. Just to become aware of those areas, may go a long way towards modifying your activities to eliminate those areas. If you can avoid having to deal with any laws, you're better off. Just my two cents...... __________________ "For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected cannot taste." "USMC 8652, 2531, RVN Jun '67, - May 69" Last edited by Jay; 12-30-2010 at 11:59 AM..

12-30-2010, 05:40 PM	#12
Bobitis Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 6,612	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? Far too many variables. The second story windows in my home are not really an option for running away. If I did, the BG would have command and control. On the street, running away from a threat to another just don't seem right. __________________ ^.^ A point in every direction is the same as having no point at all

12-30-2010, 07:36 PM	#13
Slabsides Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: L.A. (Lower Alabama) Posts: 920	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? I go out of my way to avoid confrontation. But if all else fails and I am persued/cornered and faced deadly harm or I see an imminent threat to my family, I will not hesitate to use deadly force....regardless of any law anywhere. Period. I will NOT be ran from my own home. I will NOT be removed from my car. Fortunately, Alabama laws support this. __________________ /l ,[____], l---L -OlllllllO- ()_)-()_)-o-)_)

01-02-2011, 10:57 AM	#14
bayhawk2 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 102	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? The "only" time you should draw your weapon is to "STOP an ATTACK". TCOX4 is right.(Avoid an attack at all possible).Being Macho is not an option. I know if I can,I'll just walk away.I'll call the police if needed.At one time arguments were settled by fist.Those days seem to be long gone.

01-05-2011, 11:47 AM	#15
obxned Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,342	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? No matter what the law says, the first rule of a gunfight is be somewhere else when it happens. __________________ Proud member of a North Carolina Committee of Safety "If we loose Freedom here, there's no place to escape to. This is the Last Stand on Earth!" Ronald Reagan

02-23-2011, 08:30 AM	#17
hunter29180 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: in a motorhome where ever we park! Contributor Posts: 1,625	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? Carver +2!! I will only resort to the taking of anothers life IF it is nessary to protect anothers life or my own....other than that, i pay the police to take care of it. Property can be replaced much easier than a life, but if you ARE STUPID i can and will introduce you to your own PERSONAL flowerbed!

02-23-2011, 09:22 AM	#18
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,219	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? Here is an example of stupidity. http://wsbradio.com/common/ap/2011/02/23/D9LIAMUG0.html If you put your self in harms way, you get what you deserve! Why did these folks think that sailing into pirate infested waters was a good idea? Why would a man think that taking a gun into a bar is a good idea? If you really want to be safe, then don't go where you know there is danger! __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

03-07-2011, 11:00 AM	#19
Radioman909 Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Left Coast of America Posts: 31	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? Thank you carver for your views about human life and the Christian faith. I to am a follower and do not want to take a life. My view is that if it comes down to killing someone in my home we have all lost! I have also heard the other side of Christians, that claim under NO circumstances are we to take a human life. To that end the person was asked that if you came home and a man was raping your wife on the kitchen floor, would you take a gun and kill him? The response was no, I would not. He said he would use physical force to remove him, but that was all. I do not believe this is what is taught in the Bible or by Jesus himself. We each have to ask ourselves that question, would you take their life, for your property, family or to save your own skin? And it amazes me that after a death every family member can try and sue you, but what about suing their family when I get killed? Just some food for thought. __________________ Don't hold it against me that I am from California, just remember it could happen in your state to!

03-07-2011, 07:30 PM	#21
Crpdeth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Location: Location Contributor Posts: 8,247	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? Welcome, Radio! Good stuff, Carver. Personally, these days, I would never set out to use deadly force, but to STOP the attacker, what ever works, with the least amount of force, of course every situation will be unique, if walking is an option, I'll walk, but the BG will be very aware that following me wouldn't be in his best interest... If left with no option, if my life or the life of an innocent person is in danger, well, God help me through the aftermath. I've always said that every firearm owner should sit through at least one murder trial... It is a huge eye opener. Crpdeth

03-07-2011, 08:09 PM	#22
Awtoman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 362	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? I think there is a natural instinct in us all, certainly at least in me, that I sometimes fantasize about a scenario in which I am the defender of innocent human life. I think it goes to the instinct of wanting to prove your manhood, which with the constraints, regulations, and realities of modern life , doesn't always present opportunities to test yourself to your own satisfaction. However, I also think just as often about the realities of a self defense scenario, and realize that I probably will hold off until I am certain lethal force is absolutely justified/necessary, and hope I'm not too late if the situation arrises. In reality, I suspect it is a very difficult situation in the moment. I hope I am up to the task if and when the time comes. I hope I have the correct judgement to preserve all life, or take a life if neccesary. I wish this for all of us who may face this reality, and hope it never comes. Absolutely, my life and the lives of those I love, and the lives of innocents, come before scum. Tom __________________ Tom's Garage Last edited by Awtoman; 03-07-2011 at 08:17 PM..

03-08-2011, 11:07 AM	#23
Double D TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: North Florida Contributor Posts: 8,054	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? Leave me alone and I guarantee nobody ever gets hurt. Mess with me and things change. I will avoid anything I can, but I refuse to retreat from my castle. Anybody causing any type of bodily harm to any of my family will be met with leathal force. It is my desire to never have to cause fatal injury to anybody. But that can only be guaranteed by leaving me alone. I am a law abiding citizen and will do everything in my power to follow that law but my life and the lives of my loved ones trumps any law. Better to be judged by 12 than to be carried by 6. __________________ I own a bunch of scary guns. You want em? Come and take em..... Liberalism is a serious, non curable, mental disorder... NRA LIFE MEMBER Oath Keepers Member NRA Certified Instructor 30 Yr CC permit holder.

03-08-2011, 12:13 PM	#25
tech16024 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 93	Re: Do "stand your ground" laws affect your mindset in a self-defense situation? Become skilled enough with your weapon that center mass is only used as a last resort. I practice at targets the size of knees, hips, and shoulders. all that being said I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6. Learn to read situations and put yourself as far away from danger as possible.