Castlevania Dungeon Forums

Off Topic => Off Topic => Topic started by: Mooning Freddy on June 27, 2008, 03:23:29 AM

Title: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Mooning Freddy on June 27, 2008, 03:23:29 AM
An interesting question has been raised in the Knesset (Israel's Parliament) recently: May court punish a citizen for causing harm to a burglar, who broke into his house in order to steal his property?

     New law allows homeowners to shoot burglars (http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3559940,00.html)

The question has been raised following the case of Southern farmer Shai Dromi. The farmer has grown sick and tired of Bedouin burglars breaking into his farm and stealing his farm animals. So, when he heard another burglar in his farm, he grabbed his rifle and shot him to death.

So in Tuesday, the Knesset approved the so-called "Dromi law", according to which a citizen that has made an urgent act to prevent a burglary is free of criminal responsibility for it, unless the act is wholly unreasonable in the particular case.

While the law's supporters claim that such a law would allow people to defend themselves against stealing and robberies, others say that a man cannot be free from punishment for killing unless it is a matter of life or death (like in taking out a terrorist).

An interesting subject for discussion IMO. What's you opinion?
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: A n t r a x x on June 27, 2008, 05:42:03 AM
In Reply To #1

This is definitely a sticky topic to deal with.

But I have deep feelings about defending oneself or ones family. I say if you mess with me, it's your own fault if you get hurt.

But at the same time I would try with all my might not to kill the intruder. If it's a repeat offender, I'd be less merciful each time.

Shooting or bashing the legs or arms dead should be enough, but again you don't always have the choice, ability or the time to decide before acting. Sometimes life just throws it at you and you have to make the first move to survive.

So to sorta answer, I'll say yes, you have every right to defend yourself, your property and especially your family, and I'm not sure if they can, but the autorities should at least try to determine whether excessive force was used to apprehend the convict.

Then again, even if the intruder was killed, that doesn't mean it was excessive force used.

Unfortunately I think this has to remain a gray area; specific to the given matter or circumstance at hand.

Thanks for bringing it up though.
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: cecil-kain on June 27, 2008, 08:01:53 AM
An interesting question has been raised in the Knesset (Israel's Parliament) recently: May court punish a citizen for causing harm to a burglar, who broke into his house in order to steal his property?

     New law allows homeowners to shoot burglars (http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3559940,00.html)

The question has been raised following the case of Southern farmer Shai Dromi. The farmer has grown sick and tired of Bedouin burglars breaking into his farm and stealing his farm animals. So, when he heard another burglar in his farm, he grabbed his rifle and shot him to death.

So in Tuesday, the Knesset approved the so-called "Dromi law", according to which a citizen that has made an urgent act to prevent a burglary is free of criminal responsibility for it, unless the act is wholly unreasonable in the particular case.

While the law's supporters claim that such a law would allow people to defend themselves against stealing and robberies, others say that a man cannot be free from punishment for killing unless it is a matter of life or death (like in taking out a terrorist).

An interesting subject for discussion IMO. What's you opinion?

There are a few philosophical issues here.

1.  The defence of self.
2.  The defense of family.
3.  The defense of personal property.

I might kill to defend all three, but there is a difficult problem in proving the lawless intentions of the dead, when you're the one that ends up charged with murder.  And murder should not be blindly condoned in favor of where it takes place.  Unfortunately law abiding citizens cannot afford to wait on police while the lawless invade their homes --or worse.  So I say shoot first and ask questions later.  Step in my house and check your rights at the door.
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Rugal on June 27, 2008, 08:24:33 AM
Yes. You enter my house without permission, you die. That's all.
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: CVfan13 on June 27, 2008, 08:37:41 AM
In Reply To #4

Agreed. In fact, all house should should be REQUIRED to have a t least one gun in the house, just in case of an emergency.
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Mr Sven on June 27, 2008, 09:58:51 AM
In Reply To #5

This is currently my bedroom wall:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi7.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy289%2Fsven416%2FWall.jpg&hash=21f4ccad9339d5501ec1597ee72f461a)

I think i'm safe.
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Dark Nemesis on June 27, 2008, 01:10:49 PM
In Reply To #5

This is currently my bedroom wall:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi7.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy289%2Fsven416%2FWall.jpg&hash=21f4ccad9339d5501ec1597ee72f461a)

I think i'm safe.

I don't have a picture to post, but i too have my sword, next to my bed!! So if anyone comes into my room, i slice him to pieces!!
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Jorge D. Fuentes on June 28, 2008, 09:05:53 AM
This is all well and good when there are good people defending their homes.

However, a wicked person can just shred anyone who comes into their premises, even if they had no intention of committing a crime.  Imagine slicing up a group of Jehova's Witnesses, or dicing up some Solicitors.

A wicked person can use this law to argue that the interlopers (to the property, not necessarily the house) had criminal intent, and at that point this law would end up on their side.

Of course, it is up to the police to determine, using Crime Scene Investigation and Forensics, whether 1. there was indeed a crime in progress, or 2. if there was need for excessive force.

"Hey dude, can I borrow a cup of sug-ARGH!"
"Get off my property!" *finishes stabbing*
"Hey you can't do that, you just killed an innocent person!"
"He was in my property.  As far as I'm concerned, he's a crook and deserves death!"

See?
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: CVfan13 on June 28, 2008, 12:11:57 PM
In Reply To #6

Not if someone takes one of those weapons and stabs you while you are asleep. Or if they come in with a gun and shoot you before you can wake up.  :P
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: The Last Belmont on June 28, 2008, 02:21:27 PM
Yes your coming in my house to kill me and steal all my stuff, I should have a right to protect myself.
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Mr Sven on June 28, 2008, 02:39:30 PM
In Reply To #8

Outside my home criminals may get away with a little bit more then they should, but once they have crossed pysical boundaries i believe I am entitled to think they are up to something nefarious and they waive any rights they had upon doing so.

I should then have the right to defend myself and any contents inside to an extent that wil either leave them disabled or remove them from the premesis as they know what they're doing is wrong to begin with.

and CVfan - with or without the weapons they could stab or shoot me, they are likley to have come prepared if that was their intent. I would rather have something to equal the odds though if that was the case.
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: A n t r a x x on June 28, 2008, 05:25:08 PM
Imagine slicing up a group of Jehova's Witnesses, or dicing up some Solicitors.

I mean, I've THOUGHT about it, okay? Does that make me a follower of Satan?
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: CVfan13 on June 28, 2008, 06:07:38 PM
In Reply To #12

No, it means I highly praise you.b ;D
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Gimph on June 29, 2008, 09:50:26 AM
I think if someone came into my house, I grab my katana and cut them in half! Yes, I really have one. It's black and has a funky dragon carved on it...there are only a few blood stains.

Seriously though, you break into my house, DAMN YOU!
*SLASH!*
MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh shoot...
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Mr Sven on June 29, 2008, 10:11:31 AM
In Reply To #14

You know that PoS will probably fall apart the moment you give it a serious swing?

It'll have a rat tailed tang which is usually only a fith of the width of the actual blade and is only attached to the blade itself with a tiny weld.
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Gimph on June 29, 2008, 11:10:42 AM
Yup, probably. It IS pretty cheap, but I have plenty of other weapons too...

Nunchaku, wooden sword (not very effective) long bamboo stick (also not very effective) guitar (might break) and a real indian spear my dad got me for Christmas after coming back from a missionary trip! It's REALLY sharp. All I would have to do is poke them to break the skin! I wonder what would happen if I lunged it at their chest as hard as I could...?
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Mr Sven on June 29, 2008, 11:46:39 AM
Honestly I think they would dodge that fairly easily, a quick grab of the end and they can easily push that outta the way and get you while you try to regain control,

Also - if you lunge as hard as you can you have the danger of over extending yourself and putting yourself off balance, if you're defending your home you need something you can use in small spaces so I reccommend the following ( also useful in the likely event of a Zombie invasion btw )

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi7.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy289%2Fsven416%2FPicture002-1.jpg&hash=24079ba64ab6a169be9b7447772c5e25)
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi7.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy289%2Fsven416%2FPicture003-1.jpg&hash=7c60fa720fa8a727f6871872ef7c72e1)
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Gimph on June 29, 2008, 01:07:28 PM
I need one of those. Though I'd probably kill myself with it.I'm terribly uncoordinated. I could cast a fireball spell, but there's always the chance that wouldn't work...
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Gimph on June 29, 2008, 01:10:20 PM
I need a gun
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: CVfan13 on June 29, 2008, 01:53:59 PM
I have wooden and foam nunchuks, a Bo staff, some knives downstairs, some more knives in the kitchen, my electric guitar, and probably some stuff I could use to strangle somebody. Now, if I only had a whip...
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Gimph on June 29, 2008, 02:03:04 PM
I have a bo-staff, escrima sticks (3 sets, completely necessary) two guitars actually (the electric one of course is more effective) and a ton of other useless jnk including a book of spells, haha!
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: CVfan13 on June 29, 2008, 04:36:41 PM
In Reply To #21

I also have both electric and acoustic. And a really heavy keyboard, which may be useful. But I have a chest I can push in front of my door. And a desk by the window. And a dresser, and my bed. And its a very small room, so I couls really barricade myself if I needed to.
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Aridale on June 29, 2008, 06:16:34 PM
In Reply To #17

No way in HELL Id use that in a zombie invasion. Especially if the infection spreads with the blood. Just about every melee weapon you could use would get blood on you which increases the chance your gonna become one of the shambling dead. Not to mention melee weapons get you within biting range 9 times outta 10.

Dont get me wrong Im all for melee over ranged (cept for bows) but Ill take ranged over melee when it comes to zombies any day.
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: warfreak on June 29, 2008, 08:49:52 PM
Wow, you guys have a lot of weapons. o_O *looks around room* I only have one pair of escrima sticks and four guitars. :( (No, I don't play guitar. It's a long story). A radio, a laptop (which they would want to steal i suppose) and a metal stand that I can throw at them I guess...
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Gimph on June 29, 2008, 09:07:13 PM
Oh, well, I have a REASON for owning my weapons. I'll be a black belt in 3 months. I actually know how to use them. THEM, on the other hand...?
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: The Last Belmont on June 29, 2008, 10:41:05 PM
I need a gun

Yeah I love guns, best invention ever.
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Gimph on June 30, 2008, 06:57:48 AM
True. ;D
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: warfreak on June 30, 2008, 07:18:04 AM
In Reply To #25

Black belt in escrima? 8D
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Gimph on June 30, 2008, 07:40:29 AM
Hm...?

I'm gonna be a black belt in Kenpo, escrima sticks are just one of my weapons. I think I'm missing the point...? :-\
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Slayer on June 30, 2008, 08:19:43 AM
While I don't own a firearm, I believe that if someone trespasses on ones property in an attempt to cause harm or to steal someones stuff, than he should have the right to NON-LETHALLY protect his belongings or himself.  This non-lethal protection stance stands unless there is an intent to kill from the burglar, which would be self-defense and technically not unlawful.  I think a taser, not a gun, would be best situated these cases, myself.

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthedailybeast.files.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fhamburglar.gif&hash=c8e06e17b54d0bd51a6f37836fc93983)
However, if I ever saw this bastard in my house, you damn right I should be allowed to shoot him.  Sonuvabitch ain't getting my hamburgers...
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Gimph on June 30, 2008, 08:28:29 AM
He ever comes in my house, he dies.
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: warfreak on June 30, 2008, 08:30:58 AM
LOL. XD Yes, he should die.

Ehem. Oh.. Well I was asking because I used to practice escrima/arnis myself, which is why I have them as my one and only weapon available. :P Kenpo? That's cool 8D
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Gimph on June 30, 2008, 08:34:16 AM
Yeah, so I have the right to have and use the weapons in my arsenal, though I'm rather crious as to why they have theirs...? ???
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: Mr Sven on June 30, 2008, 10:05:23 AM
In Reply To #33

I go to a european Historical Combat Guild where you learn how to use swords/axes/polearms etc as they would have been used in medieval warfare of the 15th C. Though I havent been in about 6 weeks.

It's also why I have all that stuff on in my Sig too... a lot of people go in full harness but that stuffs just expensive to be handcrafted to my size
Title: Re: Should citizens be allowed to shoot burglars?
Post by: A n t r a x x on June 30, 2008, 10:28:41 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthedailybeast.files.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fhamburglar.gif&hash=c8e06e17b54d0bd51a6f37836fc93983)
However, if I ever saw this bastard in my house, you damn right I should be allowed to shoot him.