SCOTUS on self defense

[Hardware]

http://www.davekopel.com/2A/LawRev/Self-Defense-Cases.htm
I stumbled upon this page while looking for something else. I won't post the entire contents here, but some nuggets that folks here should find interesting. It's an interesting page, well worth the read an definitely self defense and legally appropriate.

A. Gourko v. United States: Carrying a Gun is an Innocent Act

B. Starr v. United States: Even Criminals May Use Deadly Force in Resisting Attacks by Law Enforcement Officers

C. Thompson v. United States: There is Nothing Wrong with Carrying a Rifle for Protection

D. Beard v. United States: There is No Duty to Retreat Before Using Deadly Force

E. Allison v. United States: Self-Defense is for Juries to Evaluate, Not for Judges to Exclude

F. Wallace v. United States: Prior Threats by an Attacker are Relevant to a Defendant's Use of Deadly Force

G. Alberty v. United States: No Duty to Retreat when Confronting a Spouse's Paramour

I. Allen v. United States: Self-Defense Decisions Can be Made in a Hurry; There is a Duty to Retreat on Public Property

J. Rowe v. United States: Withdrawal from a Fight Revives the Right to Self- Defense

K. Brown v. United States: Detached Reflection Cannot be Demanded in the Presence of an Uplifted Knife

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Just FYI: the part you quoted is from the "Table of Contents" - the actual cases being discussed aren't quite as simple as you might get from that quote.

I just thought I would throw that out there in case anyone thought those were solid legal precedents that they could rely on without further investigation. Many of those decisions are very fact specific and some jurisdictions do still impose a duty to retreat in public.

 

[Hardware]

I'm not holding forth on any sort of opinion. Just said that these cases involve self defense and make for interesting reading and may require deeper consideration, in light of Heller and McDonald.

If you want legal opinions, retain a lawyer.

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

David Kopel is one of my favorite authors. He just wrote a 2A textbook.
http://davekopel.org/2a/GCGR.htm

 

[garyh9900]

Starr v. United States ONLY applies if the defendant wasn't aware the victim was a police officer. It is also a defense, not an excuse.

 

[Jeb21]

Thanks for the link.