Is it morally ok to kill someone for trespassing on your property?

[Aaron_J]

This is a carry-over from another thread.

I'm not asking if it's legal or not. Assuming no one is in any danger from the trespasser. Is it ok to kill them simply because they refuse to leave your property?

Give your honest answer.

Personally, I feel that the only time when lethal force should be used by an individual is when it is in defense of life and limb. Either your own or anothers.

*edit* spelling
*edit* posted my view on the subject because some people are making assumptions

[Redwolf]

No, not to kill them. I'd call the cops and get a restraining order (psychological warfare is so much for fun). If that didn't work, I break out the cattle prod.

[Martoch]

Hmmm...hard to say really. Are you comparing somebody standing on the edge of my lawn vs on my porch? On my porch vs in my house? Do they have the intent, capability, and opportunity to cause harm to me or my family members?

There are many variables involved...hard to give a clearly defined answer.

I would remove them in my own way...not kill them, well that's if they're only on my lawn. In my house? Well, different story...

On my computer? DEAD!

[Aaron_J]

and opportunity to cause harm to me or my family members?

That was covered in my first post.

And lets say they are sitting on your couch, drinking your beer, watching your tv, petting your dog, and "going through your stuff".

[Gomer]

Martoch, maybe make a short-list of situations where it would be ok and where it wouldn't.

[John Prophet]

Well, I live alone...I dont have kids or a wife. Or even goldfish.

If I came home and someone was in my apt stealing stuff....I cant say I would feel right just blowing them away.

If they broke in and were trying to hurt me it would be different....if they had a gun it would be different still.

I think the reaction should fit the crime.

Im not really gonna shoot someone for stealing $50...of course they may recieve a good trimming but...thats different.


If I had a wife and kids..well, they then would probably be in danger then of getting judge jury and sentence all at once.



What if you smoked the dude and found out he was a harmless homeless dude trying not to starve....how would you feel then knowing you put a couple in his back as he went out the back door with a loaf of bread in hand?


Besides, in the Bible...New Testament...Jesus says ""To him who strikes you on the [one] cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold [your] tunic either. "

"Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask [them] back. "


In other words..if he steals your stereo..chase him down and give him the remote as well!!

[Germ]

If they are threatening your life, blow 'em away. If Bubba Joe just happened to trespass, then you better not fire.

[Martoch]

Originally posted by Aaron_J


That was covered in my first post.

Oops...yeah, saw it this time!

I just can't see myself killing somebody because they won't leave my property...they can sit on my lawn all damn night if they want, they'll get a nice 6am sprinkler wakeup call though!

[jmebonner]

LOL Aaron,

"assuming no one is in danger"

IMO, no.


If they were trying to get into my house though, I wait until they do (for law reasons) and shoot them, aiming for the leg, but if I miss, torso's next, if I'm still missing, I have a prob, b/c the tec-9's loaded w/ 36 9mm bullets, and I can fire them all in about 20 seconds If it were just me here, I'd prolly just run down the street to the cop shop, but my wife and 21 month old aren't very good runners

[MTAtech]

Morally? As the good book says, 'let He who lingers in the wrong pasture be smitted by both barrels.'

Seriously, you can't kill someone unless they were going to harm you.