Quote:
Originally Posted by MrSparkle001
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I was on a jury where a poor guy with average at best representation was on trial for merely defending himself by using a threat of deadly force. Just a threat, no shots ever fired.
We let him go on all but one very obvious and fairly minor charge.
Why? Well even though NJ has strict laws about using a threat of deadly force in self defense, we the jury said "fuck that we aren't putting this guy in jail for defending himself. He never even fired a shot." It was unanimous.
Prosecutor was pissed as hell, defense was ecstatic and the poor guy would not stop thanking us.
Felt good.
Sometimes you can't take the law literally as it's written, like the prosecutor wanted us to.
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Pretty much. The instructors around here teach you that you should only draw your weapon if you intend to use it. You can not use it to deescalate a situation. In some states you can draw your gun to stop a crime, and hold them until police arrive. Perp gets arrested, cops thank you, everyone goes home happy. Around here, cops show up and arrest you for brandishing and assault with a deadly weapon.