Quote:
Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos
Scenario A) I could have called the cops and said "a guy is walking down the alley and I don't think he's from around here" and gone through the whole ordeal of explaining that I had just seen no crime being committed. And then watched another episode of Kounting Cars.
|
This is your best bet, and what almost always happens in this country.
Quote:
Scenario B) I could have taken a knife (which I am licensed to own) and started following him.
The outcome for Scenario A would be that I watch the restoration of an old car on TV (which, BTW, I really like watching).
The outcome for Scenario B is a little more complicated.
|
It's a lot more complicated. As I understand it, while you are 'licensed' to have a knife in Canada, you are not allowed to carry it with the intent to use it as a weapon, or for defensive purposes. So you taking the knife would be illegal...which would seriously complicate...
Quote:
I follow the guy around for a while and he decides he doesn't like being followed by a cracker (I am white) and starts kicking my ass, so I stab him in the heart, in self-defense.
OR
I follow the guy around and I start a fight with him and he starts to kick my ass and stab him in the heart, in self-defense.
|
...your self-defense case. Yes, you needed to use the weapon in self defense, but you weren't supposed/allowed to have it, so you could be in some real trouble.
Quote:
Huh. After typing that all out, I realize that either way, I haven't done anything wrong at all.
So nevermind. I'm going to go find that guy! I'm on the condo board, so I'm officially sanctioned to do this.
|
You have, actually. That is part of the legal difference between US and Canada. If you went after him without the knife, and then got into a fight or provoked a fight and killed him in self defense while unarmed...then your scenario would 'work' for Canada.