I am 65 and am all too aware of how frail my body is becoming. In Texas we also have the severity kicker for crimes including theft and assault - it also applies when the victim is physically or intellectually handicapped - but the threshold age is only 60. Most people are unaware that men's bones become brittle as we age in a similar manner to the way women's do post menopause.
I can see how the lawyer might want to avoid trial by having immunity by reason of self defense adjudicated - it would be a hell of a lot less work than a full-on trial. I can also see the utility in carrying a can of OC spray with me. When I got my armed security license, I went to school and got certified for OC spray and tactical baton precisely because I wanted an option between "Please don't do that, kind sir." and "Say good night, Gracie". In this instance the old guy had only two options. Either "Please don't hurt me, mister." or "Say good night, Gracie." OC would help but be advised that it is not without its problems. In a confined, windless space such as a movie theater, the fumes could easily drive everyone out of the theater. There is also the 1-in-5 likelihood that the person on the receiving end of the OC will shrug it off and keep coming. If he didn't have murder in his eyes BEFORE he was sprayed, he almost certainly will after.
I am 65 and am all too aware of how frail my body is becoming. In Texas we also have the severity kicker for crimes including theft and assault - it also applies when the victim is physically or intellectually handicapped - but the threshold age is only 60. Most people are unaware that men's bones become brittle as we age in a similar manner to the way women's do post menopause.
ReplyDeleteI can see how the lawyer might want to avoid trial by having immunity by reason of self defense adjudicated - it would be a hell of a lot less work than a full-on trial. I can also see the utility in carrying a can of OC spray with me. When I got my armed security license, I went to school and got certified for OC spray and tactical baton precisely because I wanted an option between "Please don't do that, kind sir." and "Say good night, Gracie". In this instance the old guy had only two options. Either "Please don't hurt me, mister." or "Say good night, Gracie." OC would help but be advised that it is not without its problems. In a confined, windless space such as a movie theater, the fumes could easily drive everyone out of the theater. There is also the 1-in-5 likelihood that the person on the receiving end of the OC will shrug it off and keep coming. If he didn't have murder in his eyes BEFORE he was sprayed, he almost certainly will after.