Quite laudable . . . and might get you killed if you feel more strongly about that than you do your Right to protect yourself! The decision to 'stop the threat' at whatever cost necessary might need to be made in a nanosecond. If you're going to weigh how it might make you feel afterward, and whether it's moral, even if it is legal, it could be game set and match with you as the loser.I do not want to be responsible, either legally or morally for the death of another person
§707-700 Definitions of terms in this chapter. In this chapter, unless a different meaning plainly is required:
"Bodily injury" means physical pain, illness, or any impairment of physical condition.
[snip]
"Serious bodily injury" means bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
[snip]
"Substantial bodily injury" means bodily injury which causes:
(1) A major avulsion, laceration, or penetration of the skin;
(2) A burn of at least second degree severity;
(3) A bone fracture;
(4) A serious concussion; or
(5) A tearing, rupture, or corrosive damage to the esophagus, viscera, or other internal organs.
Is NC a "stand your ground" state?
The reason I ask is because my instructor, here in SC where we are a stand your ground state, said that many factors are judged in the use of deadly force. The fists of a 250lb man can be considered deadly weapons and if he has the potential to knock you out AND take your gun, then he has the potential to use lethal force on you. Therefore, our instructor, a cop, told us to shoot before he does that.
I believe that is a very loose interpretation especially when the determination will be left to the jury, not the cop. I would recommend loud verbal commands to the assailant prior to drawing such as "STOP" or "BACK AWAY". This will get the attention of possible witnesses prior to an incident and will hopefully prove you to be the defender, not the instigator.
Then, if possible, present your weapon prior to firing. I believe it's only brandishing if you present your firearm in an offensive manner (at least in SC). This case would be defensive and is sometimes effective in de-escalating the situation. If you have to draw your weapon and the BG retreats, call the Police anyway so that you can tell them the situation and why you presented your firearm. Otherwise the BG may try to turn the table on you (he pulled a gun on me!)
That's a long answer for, your fate is in the hands of the jury of your peers. But certain steps can be made in your favor.
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