Guns
Castle Law Vs Make My Day Law – Self Defense Explored
What’s the difference between the Castle Law and the Make My Day Law?
The Castle Law is a hot topic for discussion these days thanks to the recent shooting deaths of three masked and armed intruders into the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma home of 23-year-old Zachary Peters, who successfully used his AR-15 rifle to defend himself inside the home.
More details on that case in a minute.
Castle Law vs Make My Day
It should be noted that castle laws vary widely from state to state and I’m not an attorney, so this isn’t to be considered as legal advice, but rather a public discussion of morality and ethics.
In general the Castle Law or Castle Doctrine refers to a person’s right to defend themselves with force (even deadly force) inside of their home (and vehicle in some states).
Originally under the common law variant of the Castle Doctrine a person could use deadly force only after having tried other, non-lethal means.
However, as innocent citizens kept getting killed by morons and thugs it became clear that people shouldn’t be slaughtered because they were afraid of getting into trouble for defending themselves and their homes.
So now most states have castle laws that allow home owners the right to use deadly force whenever they’re afraid of serious bodily injury or death to themselves or others, or just loss of property in some states.
The “Make My Day Laws” refer to the notion that a law-abiding citizen hadn’t ought to be required to retreat in fear of their lives, that they instead can exercise their God-given and inalienable right to self-defense.
It’s a sort of taunt to bad guys, a stern warning if you will, that good people are tired of being victims and are NOT afraid to use force. In fact, as Colorado adopted the law that seems to have been a common sentiment. Sort of “Come on, break in to my house, I dare you.”
Go Ahead, Make My Day
It’s of course a play on the Clint Eastwood character, Dirty Harry, who uttered those famous words (“go ahead make my day”) to a thug who was contemplating using his gun. If you haven’t seen that movie reference scene, or just want a refresher, here’s a 3 minute clip. You’ve gotta love swift justice.
Colorado’s Castle Law was adopted in 1985 and it was among the nations first such Make My Day laws, which recognized a homeowners right to self-defense.
According to Avvo.com, Colorado’s law, for example, permits:
“any degree of physical force, including deadly physical force, against an intruder who 1. made a knowing, unlawful entry into the dwelling, and 2. the occupant reasonably believed the intruder was committing or intended to commit an additional crime against a person or property in the dwelling, other than the illegal entry, and 3. the occupant reasonably believes the intruder might use physical force against any occupant.”
What About Stand Your Ground Laws
Drawing A Line In The Sand – Self Defense Law
Stand Your Ground Laws are very different in that they don’t pertain to just a person’s home or dwelling as do most Castle Laws.
Instead, Stand Your Ground is exactly what it sounds like, that people have a right to not retreat and to defend themselves then and there, wherever that is.
You’ll hear it referred to as the “Line In The Sand” doctrine or the “No Duty To Retreat” law.
In some states progressives would love to require innocent victims to either run or scream or flail, anything rather than actually killing a bad guy who is hurting innocent people. You know, thugs got rights!
A Stand Your Ground law is a use of force defense; citizens can “stand their ground” and use force without retreating if they need to so that they can protect and defend themselves or others against threats or perceived threats.
Smart states have enacted laws like Stand Your Ground specifically to shield innocent Americans from the fangs of rabid progressives.
Can You Shoot Someone In Your House
Self defense – Shooting Someone In Your House
As you’ve read from the discussion on Castle Laws and Make My Day Laws, yes, in many cases you can shoot someone in your home.
But remember, while the laws vary from state to state (so check Castle Doctrine States here), typically there are some criteria that must exist before you can shoot someone in your house.
While I’m offering general information, your best course of action is to take a CCW course near you (because they’ll cover the laws for you and your area), and ask a local lawyer about these laws, many of them will talk to you about it for free.
Below are three things you should consider in determining if you can shoot someone in your house; a rapist who is breaking in, for example.
Before you can shoot someone in your house in defense of your life (or the life of someone else) the following must be true in many states.
- The first element of a Castle Law defense is that a person must be inside of their home. You can only use the Castle Doctrine defense in most states if you are inside of your home or dwelling.
- The second element that must exist is that the victim/suspect/deceased/injured must be attempting to commit or have committed an unlawful entry into your home. If they are just walking across your lawn or backyard it won’t typically be a self-defense claim under the Castle Law. There must exist some actual evidence that the suspect was at least attempting an unlawful entry. Also, the Castle Doctrine defense may not apply to a person who was in the home lawfully, but because of an argument or dispute, force was used.
- Finally, in many (though not all) states, the use of force must have been reasonable. This can be a problem because in this situation it’s up to interpretation of the degree of reasonableness. You’ve heard the argument… that a burglar was only after a TV and he shouldn’t have been shot for that. Right, whatever.
That argument forces the VICTIM to be accountable and responsible for the outcome (rather than the thug) and make a split second decision that could cost them their lives. Many states have followed the lead of Florida and Mississippi, and have added a presumption in their Castle Laws that if a person is entering a home unlawfully, that he is doing so with the purpose to commit an act of force or violence.What that means is that if yours is one of those presumptive violence states, your burden of proof regarding the use of force is reduced because you won’t have to show your level of force was reasonable. But know your state laws! Some states don’t have this presumption. Instead of proving just an unlawful entry you would also have to show that you were in actual danger of death or major bodily injury from the person trying to enter your home.
Example of Castle Law in Use
I was telling you earlier about the home invasion case from Broken Arrow, and how a young man (Zachary Peters, 23) was forced to use his rifle in defense of himself and the home.
Three men entered the Peters home on March 27, 2017 with the intent to burglarize it, and were dressed in dark clothes/hoodies, had dark masks on, and were wearing gloves.
Police say that at least one of the suspects was armed with a fixed blade knife and another with Brass Knuckles, so they didn’t show up for a friendly ice cream social.
Yet some people believe (like suspect Jacob Redfearn’s grandafther, Leroy Schumacher) that Peters acted too severely and that he didn’t need to kill the armed and masked men who had just forcibly broken into his home.
Schumacher is quoted as saying “Brass knuckles against an AR-15, come on, who was afraid for their life?” He continued, “There’s got to be a limit to that law, I mean he shot all three of them; there was no need for that.”
So now innocent victims have to know within split seconds what three masked intruders are armed with, their age, their records, their intent… come on!
If you kick in someone’s back door, masked and dressed in black and are armed with knives and brass knuckles (or even if you aren’t), then you can expect to get shot and killed. Justice served swift and efficiently. There won’t be a “next victim”.
It is very unfortunate and a sad loss of life, that’s for sure, but as a society we have got to stop this coddling of criminals and minimizing victims… crime is getting worse, not better, as a result and it’s become crystal clear that progressives are destroying society one stone at a time.
According to Wagoner County Sheriff Chris Elliot, the three masked men made felonious entry into the Peters home. They were Maxwell Cook, Jacob Redfearn, and Jake Woodruff.
They had previously that morning burglarized the detached garage of the same residence, taking electronics and liquor, and apparently had come back for even more loot from inside the home.
Max Cook (19), Jacob Redfearn (17) and Jake Woodruff (16) – Facebook Photos
At about 12:30 PM, as Peters heard the men breaking through a glass door in the back of the house, he armed himself. Shortly later the confrontation occurred inside a hallway of the house. After a few words were exchanged Peters felt that he needed to shoot in order to protect himself.
Being startled from inside your home to the sound of a breaking glass door, then being approached by three masked men dressed in black, how would YOU feel?
The level of fear these victims must feel is extraordinary, not to mention the life-long anguish they live with knowing that they were forced to take a life. All because some criminals wanted to take someone else’s stuff. What if the victim had not been armed? Would he still be alive?
There would be no way for Mr. Peters to have known they were teenagers. No way of knowing they weren’t actually armed with a pistol which they could pull out at any minute. No way of knowing their intentions or their backgrounds. These moments, these split seconds filled with fear and anxiety likely even further diminished his capacity to fully analyze his options.
It’s a very frightening experience and the very reason why Castle laws were created.To read more about this incident here’s a great article at Heavy.
Here’s law enforcement’s press announcement of the filing of charges against their accomplice in a getaway car. And also announcing that the victim, Zachary Peters, would not be charged due his use of Oklahoma’s Stand Your Ground law.
Innocent, law-abiding citizens shouldn’t have to die because they were afraid to defend themselves, or go to jail because they chose to do so, all because a scum bag thought the laws didn’t applied to him and that he could just do whatever he wanted to.
I don’t care how “sweet” or “nice” or “caring” someone is to their family, the minute you commit an act like these guys did its unfortunately likely to cost you your life.
Elizabeth Rodriguez – Booking Photo
As it turns out, the three dead men had help; at least one accomplice was waiting in the driveway in a getaway car and is now in custody.
21-year-old Elizabeth Rodriguez of Collinsville, OK was the girlfriend of deceased suspect Max Cook (19). It’s reported that Rodriguez planned the crime.
Preliminary information indicates that none of the deceased knew the victim, though Miss Rodriguez is believed to have known the Peters family. Could she have known he was going to be home?
Mr. Peters, acting in self-defense, must have been overwhelmed with fear given that these three men had just broke into his house, were all dressed in black and ski masks. Plus he had no way of knowing they were teenagers given they were all clad like thieves and thugs.
What would you think? How would you feel? Does your state have a Castle Law?
Make My Day… leave a comment. How do you feel about these self-defense laws?
The new TRS Comp pistol from Nighthawk Custom is a full-sized, government frame 9mm double stack built around a match grade barrel and a monolithic slide. It’s built to compete and starts at $4,599.
The TRS Comp comes standard with a recon rail under the barrel and a dimpled rear cocking design that offers ample traction when racking the slide. It also sports unique dimpled frame and slide textures that match the grip pattern.
Integrated Compensator
The TRS Comp is Nighthawk Custom’s first full-size pistol designed around a double stack frame. It features a 17+1 capacity and incorporates Nighthawk’s Fire Hawk compensator, which boasts a precision-designed port that reduces muzzle flip for quicker follow up shots.
This model also features a unique dimpling texture found throughout the slide and grip, which provides ample grip while being snag-free during holstering. The TRS Comp uses a 14K gold bead front sight that does an excellent job catching light, coupled with a Heinie Ledge Black rear sight for quick target acquisition.
The pistol also features Nighthawk Customs’ Interchangeable Optic System (IOS), which is a dedicated dovetail machined onto the slide and allows for optic mounting with adapters. This system allows for an interchangeable series of sight options to quickly switch rear sights in a matter of seconds.
Interchangeable Optic System
Nighthawk Custom’s Interchangeable Optic System allows a user to switch from a plate with a traditional rear sight to a red-dot optic in seconds. This feature is especially beneficial for concealed-carry practitioners who want to train with a red-dot but still carry a traditional rear sight.
Nighthawk’s unique IOS system involves milling the top rear section of their slide to interface with an interchangeable series of sight options, including a Trijicon RMR and other red-dot sights. This low-profile system also incorporates a suppressor-height rear sight as a backup to the optic’s front sight.
The TRS Comp features a match grade 5.00′′ barrel on a government sized frame with a monolithic slide, a full-length dust cover and an integrated single-port compensator. This combination reduces muzzle flip and delivers faster follow-up shots on the range, a must-have for competitive shooters.
The TRS Comp is finished in black nitride for a sleek, durable look. The lightweight aluminum trigger possesses a serrated flat face and a gold bead front sight does an excellent job catching light, providing quick target acquisition. A Heinie Ledge Black rear sight completes the package.
Match Grade Barrel
One of the most important features of any match pistol is a properly fitted barrel. A true match grade barrel will have zero play in the muzzle or at the hood, and it should glide into battery smoothly without any drag or snag on the slide.
This is achieved by carefully fitting the barrel to all of the chamber hood contact surfaces and the lower locking lug. Once this is done it will have a true target fit and shoot groups that rival a 1911 handgun.
The TRS Comp is the first Nighthawk Custom model to be designed around a double stack frame, offering 17+1 capacity and using their integrated compensator, the fire hawk. The compensator has a precision port that reduces muzzle flip and helps shooters stay on target for follow up shots.
Unique Dimpled Texture
The TRS Comp is the newest addition to Nighthawk’s line up. It is a high-end double stack 1911 that packs a 17+1 punch, as well as a lot of style and class. It also happens to be the most accurate and durable gun in its caliber. It also comes in a variety of colors and finishes, from matte black to high-shine chromium. Its crown jewel is the aforementioned patented integrated compensator, which may be the best thing to happen to your sidearm in years. It is a real head turner, especially for those who don’t usually opt for the sexy gun. The aforementioned gizmo is accompanied by a precision designed port in the rear of the slide that reduces muzzle flip without sacrificing a hefty amount of power. The aforementioned gizmo features a matching name badge aft of the slide, as well as a match-grade 5″ barrel and a full-length dust cover with accompanying nifty-fun accessory rail.
The PC Charger is a pistol chambered in 9mm, and it can take Glock magazines. It is very popular and has become more of a sought-after gun than the original carbine.
Many owners of the PC Charger equip it with a brace to give it stability. This makes it a lot more shootable.
Ruger PC Charger
Ruger’s PC Charger is a pistol-caliber carbine (PCC) that combines the fun and utility of an AR style pistol with the reliability and accuracy of a high capacity AR. Designed to take both Ruger Security 9 and Glock magazines, the PC Charger is a highly customizable weapon that makes a great range gun or home defense tool.
Adding a brace to the PC Charger increases its stability and makes it more shootable. The brace can be attached to the MIL STD 1913 rail on the back of the pistol.
The SB Tactical FS1913 Brace is one of the best PC Charger braces available today. It is made of a polymer material that offers quick deployment and a lightweight profile.
This brace is perfect for a shooter who is new to pistol braces, and is looking for a compact and inexpensive option. It is also a good choice for people who are already familiar with the design and use of a buffer tube.
AGP Arms
The AGP Arms brace kit for the Ruger PC Charger is the best way to upgrade the standard stock and barrel. The brace is the logical extension of AGP’s acclaimed pistol grip Gen 2 stock and handguard, allowing users to customize their pc charger to their own specifications. The brace is the brainchild of a dedicated team of military and law enforcement personnel, many of whom have been in the trenches for longer than most of us will ever know. Featuring a modern twist on a classic design, the brace is an understated delight. Its most prominent feature is a cleverly engineered gearbox that enables the user to rotate the entire gun by hand, and then lock it into place using a single pin. The aforementioned pin is mounted in the rear of the gun, where it is tucked under a protective cover for safekeeping. In keeping with the aforementioned design, the brace is also anodized black for a look you can be proud of.
SB Tactical
SB Tactical is the inventor of pistol stabilizing braces. They were started in 2012 by Army veteran Alex Bosco after he designed a brace for his disabled friend so he could continue to shoot.
SB Tactical was the first to introduce adjustable pistol stabilizing braces. This was a big win for the industry and gun owners alike.
After getting pre approval from the ATF, they began selling pistol braces for AR/AK style firearms, CZ Scorpions, H&K MP5 designs, 1913 rails, and more.
The SBA3 is one of the best pistol braces on the market and offers 5-position adjustable adjustment, ambidextrous QD sling attachment points, and a Velcro strap to connect to your arm for one-handed shooting.
The SBA4 is another great choice and offers a sturdy M4-style strut, 5-position adjustable, and an integral QD sling socket. This is an excellent option for a Ruger PC Charger gun with a Glock drum, but it also works well on any pistol without a buffer tube.
Midwest Industries
Midwest Industries is a family owned and operated company that manufactures quality parts, uppers, lowers, rails, barrels, furniture and muzzle devices for AR platforms and many other firearms. They also have a number of innovative products and services that make them a great choice for those looking to upgrade their firearms.
Probably the most useful item that they manufacture is their Combat Rail Handguard in hard coat anodized 6061 aluminum. It features eight functional M-LOK slots and two anti-rotation sling swivels. Its hefty price tag might be a turn off, but its high performance and robust construction is well worth the outlay.
What you might not have known is that they also make the pc charger brace aka the FS1913. Basically the same as the name aforementioned but a lot more durable and the brace actually folds to a compact size for easy transport. They even include a nice looking sling with an integrated bottle opener to boot.
Mini Mamba is a famous YouTube Star who has earned a fortune as a professional. He has a net worth of $1-5 Million at the age of 11 years old.
Mambas are venomous snakes of the family Elapidae, which also includes coral snakes and cobras. They live throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Black mamba
Black mambas are venomous snakes that are found in Africa. They can grow to up to 14 feet in length and are one of the longest venomous snakes in the world.
They are very fast and aggressive, and their venom is particularly deadly for humans. It takes only about 20 minutes for a bite from a black mamba to kill a person.
They live in grassland, savanna and rocky slopes of southern and eastern Africa. They are primarily diurnal and prey on small rodents. They have excellent vision and a highly developed sense of smell.
Green mamba
Green mambas are found in coastal areas of eastern Africa including Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania and South Africa. These snakes are venomous, which makes them extremely dangerous to humans.
They are a diurnal species, which means they are active during the day. They also spend a great deal of time in the trees and rainforests of western Africa, where they live amongst the forest canopy and thickets.
This snake preys on birds, lizards and small mammals. Its venom isn’t as powerful as the venom of the black mamba or the red mamba, but it can still kill.
Green mambas breed during the rainy season. Females lay eggs, which hatch in about 10-12 weeks. Males seek out and compete for females by following a scent trail or by wrestling or dancing. These combats aren’t biting, but rather a way for the two snakes to establish dominance over each other.
Red mamba
The red mamba is a species of snake that lives in Africa. It is related to the black mamba and can be found in various countries throughout the continent.
It is a medium-sized snake that can grow to be 2 m long. They are mainly found in tree hollows and termite mounds.
They are very venomous and kill their prey quickly. Their venom is highly toxic and can affect the breathing, heart and muscle function of the victim.
They can also paralyze their prey, which they then swallow. They feed primarily on birds and small mammals.
Yellow mamba
The mamba is an African snake. There are four species: black mamba, green mamba, red mamba and yellow mamba.
The Eastern green mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps), formerly known as the white-mouthed mamba, is a venomous snake that lives in coastal regions of East Africa. It is found from Kenya south through Tanzania, Malawi, and eastern Zambia.
The eastern green mamba is a shy snake that avoids humans when possible and only strikes if provoked or cornered. Its habitat is fragmented in parts of its range and it is listed as Vulnerable by South Africa due to habitat destruction and deforestation.
Blue mamba
Mambas are notorious for their speed and aggression, and they come in a wide variety of species. They are a common sight in Africa’s rainforests, and all have deadly venom.
Of the four types of mambas, the most venomous and dangerous is the black mamba. Known for its lightning-fast speed, erratic behavior, and painful bite, it can strike multiple times in a matter of seconds.
Its venom is highly neurotoxic and cardiotoxic, with fasciculins present to paralyze the muscles of a bite victim. The venom can kill a victim within hours of a bite.
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