Topic: Defending your home from burglars

[reniformis]

Have zero sympathy to anything that happens to people that break into others houses personally

Neither do I. That's not the point though. Personally, I think if we allow burglars to be beaten to a pulp in every case because they deserve it, then they'll either go ready for a fight or they'll start targeting the old and vulnerable more. Neither is good. It sounds like pandering to them but we really don't want more burglaries ending in a death unless we can guarantee it's always the bad guy.

That is the system working. It is exactly the kind of case that the jury rather than the CPS should decide.

Exactly. However, and I'll admit I'm totally ignorant in this, the CPS don't 'decide' anything do they? Other than that there's a case to answer. Do you mean magistrates maybe?

[SP]

Neither do I. That's not the point though. Personally, I think if we allow burglars to be beaten to a pulp in every case because they deserve it, then they'll either go ready for a fight or they'll start targeting the old and vulnerable more. Neither is good. It sounds like pandering to them but we really don't want more burglaries ending in a death unless we can guarantee it's always the bad guy.

Exactly. However, and I'll admit I'm totally ignorant in this, the CPS don't 'decide' anything do they? Other than that there's a case to answer. Do you mean magistrates maybe?

The CPS decide whether to prosecute. I.e. Whether it goes to court. I would rather the courts acquit people than the CPS approve vigilantism without a trial. The law is subjective on self defence, and I trust a jury more than a bureaucrat.

[reniformis]

I would rather the courts acquit people than the CPS approve vigilantism without a trial.

Oh I see. Yes, totally agree. Sorry, got the wrong end of the stick, my bad 

[Barneylfc∗]

If someone broke into my house to steal my goods, they'd be challenged. I'd assume they're likely to fight back. Then they're getting their head caved in with the nearest blunt object I can find. I'd consider my own, and more importantly, my sons safety to be at risk.