GuyRelford
Master
Wow. Lotsa good stuff in this thread.
One little question left if Gun Lawyer will patronize us a bit longer:
Deadly force vs. reasonable force
I notice the two are used at different times in the statutes. What constitutes each? If only reasonable force is legal, does that mean I can't shoot him but I can pistol whip him?
"Reasonable force" is not statutorily defined, but is generally defined as that degree of force that is necessary to terminate the illegal activity, but no more. The key is that it be "proportionate to the situation." See Geralds v. State, 647 N.E.2d 369, 373 (Ind. Ct. App. 1995).
As I've heard several LEOs define it, "the threat defines the response." I think that summarizes it very well.
"Deadly force" has been defined by the legislature:
IC 35-41-1-7
"Deadly force" defined
Sec. 7. "Deadly force" means force that creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury.