Quote:
Originally Posted by Spliffernaut
I've had a cop explain this to me before, it is true. I remember because I thought it was one of the dumbest things I've ever heard. Basically for some dumb reason in Canada, if someone attacks you, you have to match the force, NOT exceed it. The knife vs gun example was used by the police officer himself, so it is a sound example. For some dumb reason in Canada if someone pulls a knife on you, and you shoot him for it, you will be charged with manslaughter at the VERY least. I argued the sense of this law with the officer, he simply stated " it's the law, not my opinion."
|
That's not true. The use of force doctrain says you match force with reasonable force. So in your case, if someone pulls a knife on you, it's perfectly fine to shot them. A knife is a lethal weapon, so is a gun. I have RCMP use of force training, so I am familiar with the use of force wheel
If someone tries to punch you, you can't shoot them, that's not a reasonable response to a punch. But if they grab a sharp ended umbrella, you may have a case if you shoot them, as the umbrella could be being wielded as a deadly weapon, if he's trying to spear you, for example.
It's all about responding with reasonable force - That's what the law asks for. the court cases then happen over whether or not the force used was reasonable.
*The above is my opinion only.