Legal issues

Heckler

Been a lot of noise recently about farmers clamoring for the right to use firearms to defend themselves against intruders and thieves.

I know you can't license a firearm for self-defense/protection.

At the same time I believe there's a new law that says you don't have to retreat in times of home invasion and that you may defend your property and self with reasonable force.

Where does a firearm holder stand in this scenario ? Is it allowable to produce a firearm to try to deter ? Is it acceptable to discharge a warning shot ?

A recent story on the radio had a farmer discharge two shots at a vehicle that tried to run him down. He claimed he slightly wounded one in the shoulder and when they were stopped a bit later the Guards let them go. He was brought to court for the illegal discharge of a firearm. Charge was dismissed and he got his firearm license back.

I guess my question is while its allowable to use reasonable force to protect your home, goods and person is it allowable to use a licensed firearm to do the same ? Given that its impossible to license a firearm for self defense. Seems like a catch 22.

I know for me the effort of turning off alarms, unlocking two safes and trying to assemble bits and pieces makes it a moot point but I'm sure they're are a few with shotguns under the bed.

Quite apart from the legal ramifications of shooting an intruder I think the mental and emotional stress of it would be severe. Studies have shown that during WW2 and the Vietnam war that 70% of troops aimed to miss their enemy. For every 250,000 rounds fired only a tiny percentage hit the target.

Point is most reasonable people don't want to hurt another human even when that person is intent on doing them a mischief.

So while its illegal to license a firearm for self defense/protection, is it illegal to use a legally held firearm for the same ?

Sparks

Nope, not a hope, not discussing this in here. It *has* been discussed on the site before (search for mentions of DPP-v-Barnes), but this is a Sports forum, not a self-defence forum.