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"......Certainly, the intrinsic value of life
and the duty to love oneself no less than others are the basis of a true right to
self-defense ... legitimate
defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for someone responsible for
another's life, the common good of the family or of the State. Unfortunately,
it happens that the need to render the aggressor incapable of causing harm
sometimes involves taking his life. In this case, the fatal outcome is
attributable to the aggressor whose actions brought it about, even though he
may not be morally responsible because of a lack of the use of
reason." |
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"The right of
self-defense is the first law of nature; in most
governments it has been the study of rulers to confine this right within
the
narrowest limits possible. Wherever standing armies are kept up, and
when the
right of the people to keep and bear arms is, under any color or pretext
whatsoever, prohibited, liberty, if not already annihilated,
is on the brink of destruction." |
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"Though
defensive violence will always be 'a sad necessity' in the eyes of men
of principle, it would be still more unfortunate if wrongdoers should
dominate just men." |
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"If
someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to
shoot back with your own gun." |
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"If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies,
there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed. If the sun has risen on him, there shall
be guilt for his bloodshed. He should make full restitution; if he has
nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft." |
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