Armed Citizens and the Law

“So the police can arrest me, handcuff me, drag me to jail, lock me up, and give me a permanent criminal arrest record for doing something so completely legal that no prosecutor would ever file charges, and I would still have no legal recourse?” Yes, that is correct. This essay explains how justice became so strange.

This essay is for anyone who intends legally to carry a firearm in Florida. Whether you have a Florida Concealed Weapons or Firearms License, or are merely visiting from a state enjoying reciprocity with Florida, the same laws apply. Two Chapters of Florida’s criminal code are important: 776 (Justifiable Use of Force) and 790 (Weapons and Firearms).

Virtually everyone will defend their own spouse and children if the need arises. But how much risk would you take to protect your neighborhood? Would you risk criticism by your neighbors? Being shunned? Monetary expense? Physical injury? Imprisonment? Death?

Courts sometimes reach decisions that defy the law. Statutes and caselaw say one thing but courts rule differently. This is because, despite lifelong efforts by good people, every justice system is corruptible and they have been corruptible in all societies throughout history. In the United States, the justice system is often corrupted by mass hysteria. Since colonial times, the newsmedia have periodically whipped the public into blind frenzy. Judicial lynching is a realistic danger to every armed citizen who was forced to defend his home against thugs.