A.O.I.
Ability, Opportunity, and Intent -- These are the three things necessary to justify the use of lethal force in defense of self, or another, in the State of Oregon, as taught to me by the Multnomah Count Sheriff's Dept.
Ability: Does the attacker have the capacity to kill or cause serious bodily harm to you or another?
Example: An unarmed attacker of equal size likely does not have the ability to kill or seriously injure you. However, an unarmed attacker of considerably larger size, multiple attackers, or an armed attacker would establish ability.
Opportunity: Is the attacker in the position to effectively use his ability?
Example: An attacker with a knife or blunt object 20 meters away does not have the opportunity to kill or seriously injure you. However, an attacker that is 5 meters away and/or has a firearm certainly establishes opportunity.
Intent: Has the attacker made unmistakably clear, by words and/or actions, the intention to kill or seriously injure you, and that they intend to do so immediately?
What this all comes down to is whether or not you believe an attacker has the ability, the opportunity, and the intent to kill or seriously injure you. I am sure by now this seems rather redundant, but I am trying to make a point. You must have all three to be justified in the use of lethal force.
Always try to exhaust all other options and only use lethal force as a last resort. Avoidance is, after all, the best defense.
Recently, there have been some crazy things happening in this great city of our's. Maybe I'm not getting the 'whole story,' but in regard to the muggings of Tuesday morning, I have not heard one account where anyone fought back. That is a personal decision everyone has to make for themselves -- will you lay down and die or will you fight for your life?
I refuse to live my life in fear. I also refuse to live my life unprepared. I have an Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL) and I carry almost everyday, not because I am afraid, but because I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. I sincerely hope I never have to use lethal force against another human being.
If you do opt to own/carry a firearm for self-defense (or any other reason, for that matter), PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE seek formal gun safety/use training and familiarize yourself with your weapon and applicable laws regarding it's use.
If anyone is interested in going shooting and trying out various guns (or just looking for some fun), some of my gun-savvy friends and I make regular trips up to the hills to practice, train, shoot and all around have a good time. Be prepared to exercise proper firearm safety and range etiquette. We're not a formal class (take a class, damnit!), but we'll show you the ropes.
I think I've said my piece. Climbing off my soapbox now.
Signing out....
Ability, Opportunity, and Intent -- These are the three things necessary to justify the use of lethal force in defense of self, or another, in the State of Oregon, as taught to me by the Multnomah Count Sheriff's Dept.
Ability: Does the attacker have the capacity to kill or cause serious bodily harm to you or another?
Example: An unarmed attacker of equal size likely does not have the ability to kill or seriously injure you. However, an unarmed attacker of considerably larger size, multiple attackers, or an armed attacker would establish ability.
Opportunity: Is the attacker in the position to effectively use his ability?
Example: An attacker with a knife or blunt object 20 meters away does not have the opportunity to kill or seriously injure you. However, an attacker that is 5 meters away and/or has a firearm certainly establishes opportunity.
Intent: Has the attacker made unmistakably clear, by words and/or actions, the intention to kill or seriously injure you, and that they intend to do so immediately?
What this all comes down to is whether or not you believe an attacker has the ability, the opportunity, and the intent to kill or seriously injure you. I am sure by now this seems rather redundant, but I am trying to make a point. You must have all three to be justified in the use of lethal force.
Always try to exhaust all other options and only use lethal force as a last resort. Avoidance is, after all, the best defense.
Recently, there have been some crazy things happening in this great city of our's. Maybe I'm not getting the 'whole story,' but in regard to the muggings of Tuesday morning, I have not heard one account where anyone fought back. That is a personal decision everyone has to make for themselves -- will you lay down and die or will you fight for your life?
I refuse to live my life in fear. I also refuse to live my life unprepared. I have an Oregon Concealed Handgun License (CHL) and I carry almost everyday, not because I am afraid, but because I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. I sincerely hope I never have to use lethal force against another human being.
If you do opt to own/carry a firearm for self-defense (or any other reason, for that matter), PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE seek formal gun safety/use training and familiarize yourself with your weapon and applicable laws regarding it's use.
If anyone is interested in going shooting and trying out various guns (or just looking for some fun), some of my gun-savvy friends and I make regular trips up to the hills to practice, train, shoot and all around have a good time. Be prepared to exercise proper firearm safety and range etiquette. We're not a formal class (take a class, damnit!), but we'll show you the ropes.
I think I've said my piece. Climbing off my soapbox now.
Signing out....
VIEW 3 of 3 COMMENTS
karalynn:
The moon is waxing/growing
karalynn:
NP 