Should this be a crime?

[dragonfish]

I can answer yes to 2 of the 3 criteria you use, and if the RD was slightly different, then my score would be 3 yes'.

I didn't vote because the question is too vague but I will say this much about the topic. Having a crime committed against you does not justify committing a crime yourself.

I live in the fairy tale land that you so condescendingly allude to as being where my behaviour and attitudes will influence those around me, especially younger people. I'm not raising my son in a community where vigilantyism is promoted and condoned.

For the most part, laws ARE black and white. For the most part, laws are agreed on for the purpose of protecting citizens, and are not created for exacting vengeance. Even the process of sentencing a convicted felon is meant to be about protecting citizens and communities from the perpetrator, showing other would-be-criminals what could happen if they were to behave unlawfully(deterrence) and to also provide rehabilitation.

Don't get me wrong. I don't support criminals. I just don't support the idea of people taking the law into their own hands because they don't like or agree with the justice system.

Sorry but I have to disagree with most of that. Vigilantism is wrong,but sometimes necessary. Tell someone it's not acceptable even though the criminal got off on a technicality, despite massive proof. The laws is almost never black and white. If this were true there would not be a such a wealth of lawyers. You did something wrong you received punishment. But that is seldom the case. This is the real world, not a comic based movie where everything is spelled out and there is no defense. And the strict punishment of convicted criminals has really shown to be a deterrent to future would be's. Sorry the earlier post was not meant to be condescending, it was meant to be rude and sarcastic, my bad.

 

[Liam]

well if considering it's the USA, where it's legal to kill someone for the protection of your family (under some circumstances, yes I know it's not always legal under these same circumstances)... I would have unloaded on them. and if it were in aus, I would have ran to the gun cabinet (if the gun cabinet was in the house) and pulled out the .270, loaded the magazine and told them to gtfo of my house, then have called the cops.

 

[Nic]

you know i love how everybody is saying they would have shot them..do you people keep a gun in every room of your house well hidden? you think if the guy had a gun he would have taken there van...
re reading some of this really cracks me up

 

[Liam]

you know i love how everybody is saying they would have shot them..do you people keep a gun in every room of your house well hidden? you think if the guy had a gun he would have taken there van...
re reading some of this really cracks me up

well assuming he could sneak to wherever he was getting robbed from, he could sneak to where ever he kept the firearms.

 

[Chaitika]

Didn't read everyones answers, but I dont think he can get charged with anything. Unless the robbers called in the van stolen and pressed charges, he wasn't driving a stolen vehicle. And if the thieves said he stole they're van, they would also be facing burglary charges, so it wouldn't be in their best interest.
This guy did the best thing possible IMO. He didn't try an be a hero by fighting them and getting killed or killing them. He took away their chance of getting away with his stuff, at least big stuff. And he probably blew the robbers minds when they saw their getaway van was stolen ("WTF")

So you're saying that its okay to take something that doesn't belong to you as long as no one says anything?

 

[dragonfish]

So you're saying that its okay to take something that doesn't belong to you as long as no one says anything?

It is not simply "taking" something from some random person. You are stopping the commission of a crime in a non violent manner, and if they are in your house they gave up their rights.

 

[nitrofish1]

well if considering it's the USA, where it's legal to kill someone for the protection of your family (under some circumstances, yes I know it's not always legal under these same circumstances)... I would have unloaded on them. and if it were in aus, I would have ran to the gun cabinet (if the gun cabinet was in the house) and pulled out the .270, loaded the magazine and told them to gtfo of my house, then have called the cops.

i think its illegal in the US to shoot home invaders/thieves in your home for the protection of your family. as far as i know

 

[Chaitika]

It is not simply "taking" something from some random person. You are stopping the commission of a crime in a non violent manner, and if they are in your house they gave up their rights.

Whatever. Justify your way of seeing it all you want. You are no better than the criminal himself.

 

[dragonfish]

i think its illegal in the US to shoot home invaders/thieves in your home for the protection of your family. as far as i know

It's called the Castle Doctrine. Florida has an even better Stand your ground law. You are no longer required to make every possible effort to get away from a threat before dealing with it.

 

[dragonfish]

Whatever. Justify your way of seeing it all you want. You are no better than the criminal himself.

And you are no better than a pathetic sheep.