Just can't resist adding my $.02 here. Allen Blade could not be more correct- If you perceive that a person or persons are attempting to cause you serious bodily injury or death, you absolutely, positively must act with full intentions of killing that person. Attempting to wound someone is stupid and illogical, not only for safety reasons, but also legal treasons.
It really couldn't be more simple from a legal standpoint- this actually is more relevant to projectile weapons than edged weapons-but if you act in and admit to such a manner that you only wanted to "wound" your "attacker", then you have no justification for your actions. You simply cannot use a projectile or edged weapon against another individual unless you are in danger of serious bodily injury or death, and if you do not perceive danger at this level, then you better leave it in your pants(or wherever you carry XXXX).
Anyone who has undergone firearms training has undoubtedly heard the story of the police officer who was drawn on and , considering himself to be a crack shot, chose to shoot the "attacker" in the shoulder, rather than shoot to kill. The simple legal bottom line is that because the officer chose to shoot without the intention to kill, then he obviously did not perceive that he was in danger of seriuos bodily injury or deat, and he therefore had no right to take the action he did.
Sorry for running on, but in these days of out of control civil suits, I feel this is a very important issue.
Thanks,
Cappy
