2LaneCruzer
Super Star Member
Under common law, there was a presumption that someone breaking and entering your home at night, when you were there, that they had intentions of doing you bodily harm and you could use deadly force. Oklahoma has expanded that some what under the "make my day" law. You might want to check out Texas's Castle Doctrine.It's almost a question of whether you'd rather go to prison for shooting the aggressor or hold your fire and hope he doen't cripple or kill you. Shooting to prevent theft or destruction of property is difficult to justify. Occurring at night or involving arson once made a difference in Texas,not so much now. Where shooting was once justified if perp was inside your residence (including motor vehicle, hotel room,tent,rv) you must leave through a window or backdoor now if possible. Even after depression was long past,petty theft carried over and was common. Dogs were preferred over firearms by many(still true) so there were cases of mauled burglars but few dog owners were held liable for injuries. You can see how all that has changed by looking at recent cases of police charged with murder over returning fire on suspects.
Self Defense and the Castle Doctrine Explained Texas [2022]
Understanding the Castle Doctrine and Self Defense in Texas
versustexas.com
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