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I just thought I put this on the forum and see what happens.

A little while ago I was listening to sensei Kevin talking to the advanced youth class about when it is appropriate to defend yourself and to what level force should be applied in a given situation.  I started thinking about how that conversation applied to me.  And then I started to wonder what the laws actually were regarding self defense.  Not that I am trying to determine how high I can escalate a situation without getting into trouble, but I think we all should know such information in case a situation arises.  By studying martial arts, we are, in fact, learning to apply force, in some cases, deadly force.  The definition of "martial" is "...characteristic of or befitting a warrior" and like all warriors, we need to know the rules of engagement.  With power, comes responsibility.

In my search for answers, I ran across this press release from Gov. Riley...

May 31, 2006

State’s New Self-Defense Law Goes Into Effect Thursday

MONTGOMERY – A new state law giving citizens greater legal safeguards if they choose to protect themselves rather than flee an intruder goes into effect on Thursday.

Governor Bob Riley signed the law in April, saying the measure will enhance citizens’ right to self-defense.

“Law-abiding citizens shouldn’t be forced to retreat when they are under attack from a criminal. They have the right to protect themselves and their families, and this new law makes that clear,” Governor Riley said.

The new law allows homeowners and vehicle occupants who believe their lives are threatened to use deadly force against intruders. It removes a legal requirement that forced crime victims to retreat when faced with an intruder. The new law also shields those who use deadly force in self-defense from criminal prosecution or civil action. The law does not permit the use of deadly force against those who have a right to be in a house or against law enforcement officers carrying out their duties.

Alabama is one of 11 states that have passed similar laws.

I have tried to find a more official statement (e.g. a copy of the actual federal or state code)

Now, I am not advocating fighting rather than fleeing.  I think is always better to give an attacker your wallet or keys rather than fight.  Those things can be replaced, but lives can't (your's or their's).  But there are crazy people out there that may not want anything but to cause you or your loved ones harm, in that case....

If anyone has anymore information, knows someone in law enforcement, or just has an opinion, please post.

In my first round with Shin Nagre Karate some 20 years ago, we were taught as a general rule to "fit the punishment to the crime".

EXAMPLE #1
If an intruder enters your house in a home invasion fashion with what looks to be an effort to leave no witnesses, take him out and save the tax payers some money. Remember, this situation may leave you only one chance to be successful. You miss and he's got the gun, the tax paying community loses a law abiding contributor.

EXAMPLE #2
If your friend has had a bit too much to drink and is getting violently rowdy at a party, some of "Shamu's" nifty moves and holds are perfect. Your friend only needs controlling (and persuading) with say a stern armbar and NOT a side kick to the lateral collateral ligament (that's the outside of the knee).

EXAMPLE #3 (for the ladies)
If your blind date is wanting to go a step or two (or three) too far on that first date, you might need to execute quick attention getter to the groin to let him know his intention won't be in service that night. If he has your arms locked up by his, again, some of Shamu's finger escapes are perfect not only to get out of his grasp but to control his movements. Shamu never said you had to let go.

Above all, if you can avoid a confrontation, especially if it involves a gun, do it. Your karate is for those times when you can't avoid the situation. You might want to spend some time watching "The Karate Kid." Take many notes anytime Myagi speaks.

I don't know how the laws are now, but in the past, some states required black belts living inside their borders to register themselves as a deadly weapon (and you thought that was a cute line from a bad karate movie). This should help you interpret how dangerous your karate can be especially if you misuse it.

That's was supposed to be my two cents worth of information.

Daryl

Good topic. This is one that Sensei Kevin is also addressing in the women's self defense class. Remind me and I will ask him to speak to the class regarding what is considered 'appropriate' force.