united-states criminal-law
Does preventing a murder justify breaking a &quot;No Trespassing&quot; law?
<p>If I see a "No Tresapssing" sign on a house door, but I hear screems for help from inside. The window was left open by mistake and I see a big guy beating an unarmed man and getting ready to kill him.  </p>

<p>Would I be justified in front of the law to break in and shoot for the big guy's gun? (I am also putting the big guy's life in danger by shootin but he comes out unharmed).</p>

<ul>
<li>Question: Assuming that my claims about the imminent murder having been about to take place prove to be correct, will the law, as it stands written, find me guilty of any of the 2 crimes that I have just comitted?  </li>
</ul>

<p>The question is not about the morality or practicality of my actions. It is purely legal. </p>

<p>There is a general defence to any crime called self defense. If you commit a crime, but the reason you commit it is because you are acting in self defense, or the defense of another, then you will not be found guilty of that crime.</p>

<p>For example, if you kill someone, but the court believes you are acting in self defense, then you will not be found guilty of murder (or manslaughter).</p>

<p>This defense extends to other crimes too, and trespassing would be included in this.</p>

<p>Acting in the defense of another person has the same effect as acting in self defense.</p>

<p>Just note that you would have to prove that it was reasonable for you to be acting in the way you did. Usually this means that the crime you committed was proportional or necessary to prevent the crime that would have occurred, and if self defense is involved, that it was necessary to do what you had to do to prevent harm to you or another.</p>

<p>Virtually all states have laws that justify use of force to prevent a felony.</p>
<p>However, such laws do not excuse trespass. In English common law entering property even under exigent circumstances is still a trespass.</p>
<p>To answer your question exactly would require referral to a particular state or body of laws, but in general justifiable use of force laws only justify the use of force itself, not other laws that the person might be breaking.</p>
<p>For example, if the defending person himself was a felon and using a gun, just because he used the gun to defend someone else justifiably, does not mean he is not breaking the law against felons having guns.</p>
