And/or moral use of force---
Let's base a scenario on a real situation. An elderly man is sitting in a sandwich shop one evening; he's the only customer there. Two masked men, physically large, run in carrying guns openly and demand cash from the register. They're not pointing them directly at the man behind the counter, but are displaying them and gesturing with them.
If the man has a gun (surprise!), can/should he shoot them (if feasible)?
Now they point the guns at the clerk.
Again, can/should he?
Let's say he doesn't. They then turn on him and order him to stand up, which he does. Then they physically push him into the restroom and demand all he's got. Guns are present and pointed at him occasionally but not constantly. Can/should he shoot them (or try to) if he has a chance and it's tactically wise?
I know the actual legalities involved (and for once won't argue on strictly legal grounds)...more interested to hear what people think *should* be the moral/legal rights and wrongs.
MD
Let's base a scenario on a real situation. An elderly man is sitting in a sandwich shop one evening; he's the only customer there. Two masked men, physically large, run in carrying guns openly and demand cash from the register. They're not pointing them directly at the man behind the counter, but are displaying them and gesturing with them.
If the man has a gun (surprise!), can/should he shoot them (if feasible)?
Now they point the guns at the clerk.
Again, can/should he?
Let's say he doesn't. They then turn on him and order him to stand up, which he does. Then they physically push him into the restroom and demand all he's got. Guns are present and pointed at him occasionally but not constantly. Can/should he shoot them (or try to) if he has a chance and it's tactically wise?
I know the actual legalities involved (and for once won't argue on strictly legal grounds)...more interested to hear what people think *should* be the moral/legal rights and wrongs.
MD
