Defensible Conditions and Citizen Protection Doctrine

Credits: Terry, Cameron

The Self Defense doctrine contains guidelines relating to the justification and legality of the use of deadly force in the defense of one's own person, their property, or their surroundings by a civilian.

Standing Ones Ground ("Stand Your Ground")

A civilian, when faced with the threat of violence, injury, or loss of property is not required to flee. Civilians have no duty to retreat from a threat of violence, injury, or theft/burglary/robbery when in the act of defending ones self. When faced with a threat of violence, injury, or loss of property a civilian may defend themselves up to and including the use of lethal force to stop the threat against them.

Bystander Protection, Good Samaritans, and Citizen's Arrest

In accordance with Felony Vigilantism, "performing the duties of law enforcement without the legal authority to do so" is illegal; With this principle already established, it is legally recognized through this doctrine that civilians may intervene to protect the life and/or property of another civilian if they are bearing direct witness to a misdemeanor or felony involving the threat of violence or loss of property against said individual (this may also be referred to as a "Citizen's arrest" if the action-taken involved the act of preventing the suspect from leaving).

Castle Doctrine

When a resident is faced with the threat of violence, injury, or loss/damage to ones property while on their own property or in their own legal residence, the resident has no duty to retreat and may use force against intruders who [attempt to] break into their homes, [attempt to] steal or damage their property, or who chronically trespass.

Duress by Threats

Shall absolve the defendant of criminal liability EXCEPT for crimes involving murder or homicide.

The condition of "Duress by Threats" shall be met if the defendant is BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT the victim of [4] 21 - Threats to Participate in a Criminal Organization OR [1] 8 - Criminal Threats (including threats against defendant's family / associates / friends) OR [5] 1 - Extortion AND therefore as a result of being a victim of at least one of these aforementioned crimes, the defendant reasonably believed that their best course of action would be to commit a criminal offence at the implicit or explicit request / demand of the perpetrator.

Specifically, a reasonable person or, in the event of trial, a jury MUST conclude YES to both of the following statements for this defense to be valid:

• Was the defendant reasonable in believing that they were being threatened with death or serious injury against themselves or others if they did not cooperate?

• Was the defendant reasonable in believing that they did NOT have a safe alternative choice or option to escape without bringing harm onto themselves or others?

Wild Animal Defense

Persons shall be permitted to use lethal force against wild animals which display aggressive behavior towards humans. The action of neutralizing the animal, must be done in a humane manner. An individual shall be immune from LSMC 3 - Unlawful Discharge of a Weapon Within City Limits under this code. Should an individual prolong a heinous or cruel neutralization of an animal, they will not be legally protected by the Wild Animals doctrine and shall be charged with Animal Cruelty.