Strictly acording to law, in some states you are allowed to carry concealed weapons with you, even in public places. Is it illegal to use that weapon when witnessing a crime, usually of violence? If you see a women beat down and have her purse stolen, is it illegal to take a disabling shot? For instance the famed "knee-crack" where you shoot on the back side of the knee causing the victim to stop and be unable to move. Now, considering the placement of this question, I'm not looking for if you think it is good or bad, I'm wondering if it is legal or illegal. I'm wondering in terms of assault or rape, maybe even murder.
199356
Did you ever hear of the story of the theif who got stuck in the restaurant oven hood for robbery and later sued the establishment and won. Your best bet is to avoid personal injury. Get as much information about the assailant and follow protocol.Give as much information you can about this guy to the police. If he turns on you then you have the right to defend yourself.
103451
Gun control is no more than a political issue in only about a dozen states that still have it.  That's right!  Nearly 38 states have some sort of right to carry law.  You're absolutely right, if the perp has an inkling that you are carrying a weapon' it's doubtful that he will approach.  In some municipal areas, the perps are most active on public transportation leaving an airport because they know that is the one time that it is unlikely that you are carrying a weapon.  That says a lot for right to carry.
418770
I don't believe if you have a felony conviction that you can own any firearms regardless of the state.  However, I do think that you can petition to have your rights returned to you as your felony conviction is so old.  After doing some research however, I have not found anything that says that the right to own a firearm is one of the rights you can have restored.  Check with your local law enforcement.
521456
Bound's hubby here:\n\nUnder current federal law, any sale made by a holder of a FFL (Federal Firearms License) must conduct a National Instant Check. Only private party sales are currently exempt from this check. However, whoever bought the firearm first is the registered owner start a paper trail when they sell a firearms because they never know what future owner will use it unlawfully.\n\nBe forewarned... most stated do not allow property owners the right to use lethal force to protect property (your stated reason for buying a rifle). In most states, if you use lethal force to protect property you will find yourself facing charges for murder.\n\nHave a nice day. Good luck.
475310
Most definately.You have the right to defend yourself,also shooting is a great sport, and to do well at it requires self discipline and concetration.\nMy choice of gun? Probably something by SIG in.45 and a Colt .380 Super.
400037
You'll have to check your local laws. Check with the police department.\nI would guess that ..... BB guns are legal to own  WITH  a permit. But, I will also guess that it is illegal to discharge or fire a BB gun in Jersey City.
348795
Bound's hubby here:\n\nFirst, thank you for identifying upfront that this is a homework assignment!\n\nI believe that any person who is not a convicted felon has the right to possess guns (and ammunition) in their home. I was brought up around guns, and taught a healthy respect for them. I realize many people have not been brought up around guns, and may have a healthy fear of guns ...I respect this. \n\nThe decision to possess firearms in the home is a personal decision, plain and simple! A firearm in the home may serve one or many of multiple purposes: recreation (sport shooting), occupation (a tool of one's job), collection (a person's hobby), hunting (putting food on one's table), or defense (protecting one's loved ones and home). \n\nYes, I know in today's modern society most people do not "need" to hunt. For some, this is not a choice ... it supplements their income or its their choice to have leaner meats that are free of steriods which are not available at your local grocery store!\n\nI know it is an old cliche, but it is coming more to life every day ... when honest people no longer have guns, only criminals will have guns. With the increasing number of home invasions, often being perpetrated by members of the drug culture, a "911" call will not hold them at bay until the police arrive. In today's society, as much as in the past, the individual has a right and obligation to protect themselves and their loved ones!\n\nGood luck!
26817
Why can't you report it?  Anyway, you can follow a person (granted they don't have a restraining order against you), anywhere as long as it is on public or pseudo-public land (the public street system, for example, is public.  The shopping mall is pseudo-public, because it is a private building which serves the public interest).  You cannot follow them in a way that requires you going onto private land or property.  As for picture taking, if you are specifically taking a picture of an actual crime in progress, then that can be used as evidence and is no more illegal thank taking a mental 'picture' when you see a robery taking place.  Picture taking of anything else would be a touchy matter and should be avoided.  Rule of thumb: if a casual glance cannot detect illegality or suspicious behavior in a photo, then the photo should not be taken.  However, you should avoid such activites at all costs.  Depending on the nature of the crimes you are investigating, you may be placing yourself (and the public) in serious danger.  I would recommend that you consult with the police on this issue if there is even the slightest chance of violence.
460879
Oklahoma....\n\nWe have the "Make My Day" law, and have had for some time.  This one deals with protection of your home.\n\nWe recently passed a bill we call the "Stand Your Ground Law" which says that you can use even deadly force if you feel threatened in a public place.  \n\nIn addition to these wonderful laws, we have a right to carry a concealed weapon, but must be licensed for it.\n\nIf you are against the 2nd amendment right to bear arms, and the right to protect yourself with deadly force if attacked.... don't come to Oklahoma.  Oklahoma feels a person has a right to protect themselves in a public place or at home.\n\nAs for protecting property, it seems to me that if I'm there when someone tries to take or destroy my property, it is not a long leap to say they are threatening me with bodily harm because I'm witnessing their felony crime.... so..... while the law says you have to feel threatened with bodily harm, or something like that.... I would feel threatened by violent destructive people and would have to deal with them accordingly.\n\nGod Bless,\n\nSue
533670
Regardless of whoever answers what, check with the Minnesota DNR (Department of Natural Resources).  Also if you go to places where you can purchase hunting licenses (usually places that you can buy guns) they have booklets available that clearly spell out all the can's and can not's of hunting.  Don't just blindly ask somebody on Yahoo, go straight to the source.  That way if you do get busted for something illegal you can't tell the game warden that you "thought" it was ok just because that is what you heard.  Hunting laws are often different than those for recreational shooting.  I know in Wisconsin laser sights are illegal for deer, but just fine for the shooting range.  For other animals I'm not sure.  I highly doubt silencers are legal for hunting, but wouldn't think they would be illegal for the shooting range.  But honestly I don't know.  Check with the DNR and local Police.  A simple phone call is all it takes to keep you out of jail.
557668
Mississippi Law(97-37-7&9)(45-9-101) People have the right to conceal weapons at home or their place of business or within any motor vehicle. But the minute you place the weapon on your person and step from the vehicle out,it's concealed and you can be charged, if you do not have a permit to carry.
219183
illegal concealed or not
394957
In my dojo, we've heard this rumor also.  While we have not verified the information, we decided as a class that whoever started the rumor had a good point.  As such, now when practicing weapons takeaway techniques, we either throw the weapon from the area in the case of a knife, or lock and load the weapon at the opponent  in the case of a gun.  This gets us into the habit, at least, of keeping the weapon away from the attacker once we've got control of it.
266656
In Texas it is illegal for one to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel.  Also the Encyclopedia Brittanica is banned.\nsee: http://www.dumblaws.com
312287
No. It is not illegal until our Congress says it is, which it hasn't. As long as the gun was not loaded, the child was supervised, and the parents are at least half responsible, the child is safe. Where I come from guns are a fact of life. Deer hunting is quite popular.
119238
1. Yes , With the proper permit.(CCW)\n2. Yes * A person may not carry or possess a firearm, knife, or deadly weapon of any kind on public school property.(MD Criminal Law § 4-102.)\n3. Yes * See #1\nNOTE: In MD it is almost impossible for a non-resident to get a permit. For that matter most MD residents can't either. You can view the law on Permits (Article 27 Crimes and Punishment: Handguns: § 36E. Permits) \nArticle 27 SEC. 36D (b)\n\nNOTE: (Article 27 SEC. 36D (b))In the event that the officer discovers the person to be wearing, carrying or transporting a handgun, he may demand that the person produce evidence that he is entitled to so wear, carry, or transport the handgun pursuant to Sec. 36B (c) of this article.
576851
Simple question, Tracy, but it has no simple answer.\n\nFor starters, most states laws reagrd the use of deadly force as an alternative ONLY when they are inside your home & are threatening the lives of you or yours & even That is difficult to prove/justify. Furthermore, when you confront someone, even an animal in the wild, if you Do Not offer it a simple means of escape, it Will attack!\nAutomobiles are movable property & as such, the law states that you must protect yourself By Backing off & summoning help, Period! So, all those Rambo-types out there are clearly misguided souls who apparently are legends in their own minds!\n Sure, it's Your personal property but if we all started firing at every individual we claimed was stealing from us, we would eventually have anarchy cuz there are alotta variables that can come into play. Fer instance, I come home from work to discover a guy taking the stereo outta my car, do I shoot him or do I let him explain that my girl hired him to put in an even nicer one for me as a surprise b-day present! I'm a convicted felon cuz I shot a guy who was doing exactly that! I know it's a one in a million but still, the law really does serve a purpose & if we were to attempt to shoot someone who's unarmed, we become the criminal & the flip-side of that is if we attempt to stop such a person some other , non-lethal way & they are armed, we become another dead statistic...see what I mean? No simple answer but I hope I illuminated some of the uglier possibilities for ya cuz anything you can replace with a little cashflow is worth far less than you life or your own freedom....get my drift?