Another Discussion Prompted This One

United States
May 22, 2022 7:05pm CST
You are sitting in your home. It's dark outside. You are alone watching TV or are active online. Maybe even reading a book. As you reach for a beverage, you notice a person outside your house, looking inside through a window. A peeping Tom. No attempt is made to gain entry. You are frightened and access your gun and shoot using deadly force. Are you justified to shoot the voyeur?
18 people like this
12 responses
rebelann1949
@rebelann (112966)
• El Paso, Texas
23 May 22
Ahhh, I think I know which discussion. I prefer dogs, just make sure you have a couple watch dogs and I'm bettin the peepin Tom won't come round no more.
3 people like this
vikingswest
@Vikingswest1 (6304)
• United States
23 May 22
I have Terriers so I hope Tom is short lol
2 people like this
rebelann1949
@rebelann (112966)
• El Paso, Texas
23 May 22
Hey, those Toms outta beware of terriers, just cuz they're smaller than GSDs doesn't mean you'd be safe around them.
2 people like this
vikingswest
@Vikingswest1 (6304)
• United States
23 May 22
@rebelann Yes. Police are using them now lol.
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1 person likes this
Eva James
@wolfgirl569 (108126)
• Marion, Ohio
23 May 22
I was always told to make sure they fall inside the house if I am going to shoot. So that is a big no in my area. But every state and even counties allow different things.
3 people like this
vikingswest
@Vikingswest1 (6304)
• United States
23 May 22
Even under Stand Your Ground states, it requires an imminent threat to your safety to justify discharging a weapon in defense. Let them get inside first. Best rule.
2 people like this
Yanzalong
@yanzalong (18987)
• Indonesia
1 Jul 22
Wait until suspicious move is made by him/her. Just looking into the house does not necessarily mean he is going to harm the person inside the house.
1 person likes this
Jim Bauer
@porwest (92588)
• United States
9 Aug 22
In this circumstance, I would say no. I would call the police, and if they gained entry, then I would shoot them and would be justified in doing so.
1 person likes this
vikingswest
@Vikingswest1 (6304)
• United States
9 Aug 22
My thoughts exactly. If they are just prowling or peeping, a call to 911 is in order. If they actually break in, they'll feel buckshot.
1 person likes this
CarolDM
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
23 May 22
Not justified at all. The person has to be inside your home making and imminent threat.
2 people like this
vikingswest
@Vikingswest1 (6304)
• United States
23 May 22
Yep. I agree. I find it outrageous that a Sheriff's department told someone to shoot the voyeur as was the claim in the thread that prompted this discussion.
1 person likes this
vikingswest
@Vikingswest1 (6304)
• United States
23 May 22
@CarolDM I almost contacted the Cobb County Sheriff's Department to question the incident. I still may.
1 person likes this
CarolDM
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
23 May 22
@Vikingswest1 That is actually hard to believe in any state.
1 person likes this
Eric Tsuma
@erictsuma (9726)
• Mombasa, Kenya
23 May 22
No because you don't even know who he or she really is, he could be your friend, neighbor or relatives.
1 person likes this
vikingswest
@Vikingswest1 (6304)
• United States
23 May 22
Excellent point. Until they either identify themselves or try to break in, you don't know who they are or why they are there.
1 person likes this
Eric Tsuma
@erictsuma (9726)
• Mombasa, Kenya
24 May 22
@Vikingswest1 yes that's true. Have a blessed day my friend
Jenaisle
@Jenaisle (14078)
• Philippines
26 May 22
Unless he forces entry into the house, then I have the right to defend myself. I can shoot him to disable him and to kill, however, if he is a deadly weapon then it's a +shoot to kill+. It would depend on the severity of the situation.
OceanTiara
@RebeccasFarm (90464)
• Arvada, Colorado
30 May 22
probably not in this state, but I think its fine
DE
@DaddyEvil (137634)
• United States
23 May 22
I don't believe so, no.
1 person likes this
Kimberley
@mom210 (9115)
• United States
3 Jun 22
I would say, to be safe, one should probably not go around peeping in others windows.
Vicki, #1 Creek Girl
@1creekgirl (41747)
• United States
23 May 22
I don't think you're legally justified to shoot someone outside your home, especially if they're not posing a legitimate threat.
DB
@dgobucks226 (35733)
•
28 May 22
Every situation could require a different action. If the Tom is not trying to break in, I would call the police instead. Of course, if the situation changed and protecting yourself becomes necessary then having a weapon ready is feasible.