Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Do I have the right to protect myself?

I'm a medieval weapon collector. I have some spiked maces, battle axe, war hammers, and other similar items in my home. If someone were to break into my home while I was asleep could I ''legally'' sneak up on them and stop them with one of my weapons. Not kill them or anything, but just a hit or two to have them fall to the floor until the police arrive?


Asked on 4/26/08, 4:47 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jacek W. Lentz Law Offices of Jacek W. Lentz

Re: Do I have the right to protect myself?

Of course you have the right to defend yourself and inside of your home. However, to establish a viable self-defense you must react with force that is REASONABLE under the circumstances. You do not have a license to respond with lethal force just because, for example, you might be interested in finding out how your medieval weapons really work. Kidding here a bit but I hope you get my point.

Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.

310.273.1361

www.lentzlawfirm.com

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Answered on 4/26/08, 4:29 pm


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