AR-15 assault rifle used by teen to defend home

[Ben Huh]

[Medius]

I really don't understand why the intent of the intruder matters at all. The person in the house has absolutely no means of determining that intent. If there's an easy escape, sure, use it if it makes sense. It won't always be an option for all people. Apartments may not have easy exits and some houses are too exposed to move about with intruders inside. I don't know why anyone thinks they have the right to tell anyone what they should or shouldn't do to protect themselves or their families.

Entering a house should always be considered a violent crime as the intruder has no idea who may be in the house. It is like holding up a bank with an unloaded gun. It creates a dangerous situation regardless of the intent. You may not intend to kill anyone, but you may end up causing death and harm simply through the creation of a dangerous situation.

[Ben Huh]

[Precocity]

[cool_chick]

Robbery would be considered a violent crime, whereas burglary would not be considered a violent crime.

[The Dharma Bum]

You can continue to stubbornly insist that burglars are non-violent but the truth is you just don't know that. You have no idea what some criminal will do if they find some kid at a place they are robbing so just stop.

[Precocity]

[cool_chick]

Can't admit your buddies are wrong and we are right, huh? Whaaa stomp your feet.

While that is true, you also have to quit being so wrong and face the fact that burglary is a nonviolent crime, and you don't know they will automatically go shooting up the people either. The vast majority of burglars are in fact nonviolent.

Now I don't know what I would do if it were me, and I don't begrudge the child (yes, he is a CHILD), but if he had killed that person, and if he's half-normal mentally (I'm assuming he is), he would've probably suffered a lifetime of depression. Pulling a gun wasn't the only option in this situation, quit acting like it was in your insatible lust for these type of weapons.

[J.K. Gregg]

Is it just me or is breaking into a house fall under the definition of violent?

vi·o·lent
/ˈvī(ə)lənt/Adjective
1.Using or involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something: "a violent confrontation with riot police".

[cool_chick]

It is you. That above describes vandalism in regard to breaking into a house.