Self Defence - UK Law

[Dangermouse]

I am sure I have posted this before but can not find it.

Here is a link to where you stand under UK law using self defence to protect yourself, others and property.

http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/s_to_u/self_defence/

Don't just scan it and chose the bits that you like, read all of it at least twice and remember no matter what your interpretation of it is, you will have to depend on a jury and judge for them to have the final word.

DM

[Dangermouse]

The above law was amended on 25 April 2013

At this time I can not find anything on the internet which records the changes but I can say that there is now extra burden on the police to gather relevant evidence at the earlies opportunity to prove or disprove defence cases.

The changes clarify

That reasonable force under sec 76 applies as much to the defence of property as it does to defence of themselves or preventing crime.

That a person is not under a duty to retreat from an offender when acting as in above.

And that Disproportionate force can now be reasonable in certain circumstances when house holders are protecting themselves or others from trespassers in their homes.

Grossly disproportionate force is still not allowed.

You may still end up holding the rail relying on a jury to see it your way, but the law finally appears to be swinging in the favour of the householder and not the criminal.

DM

[Sandgroper]

Cannot find any similar guidance relating to Scotland http://www.crownoffice.gov.uk/search?se ... t&limit=20

[paulbradley]

Amendments are now included in the above link.

[Blackstuff]

If you read the leaflet mentioned in that text here;

http://www.cps.gov.uk/publications/pros ... lders.html

Does the constant reference to having a defence of reasonable/disproportionate force AT HOME, mean you don't have one 'on the street', or is it just being said because the leaflet is specifically aimed at burglary/home invasion??

[Fester]

The English Bill of Rights 1689 states "Subjects which are Protestants may have Arms for their Defence"

[Chuck]

Fester, our "RIGHTS" were stolen a long time ago - but hey - we can always try eh. We care too much about the criminal these days and loonytune judges, lawyers and laws do not help.

It's a sad day when you have to take down barbed wire etc in case some bawbag thief gets injured,

[Jackmanuk]

someone breaking into my house waving a knife or bat the first thing im gonna do is cock the shotgun ...... guess what the second thing is ....... the third is moaning about all the mess on the walls ,

[HALODIN]

I keep a chainsaw near the bed just in case...

[DL.]

I keep a chainsaw near the bed just in case...

I love the smell of 2 Stroke in the morning!