Defending our Homes.
Paul Mendelle Q.C., Chairman of the Criminal Bar Association is a very distinguished lawyer. But his views on Tory plans to protect householders who set about, burglars, kidnappers and assassins who burst into their homes uninvited are wrong. He fears disproportionate force will be used, vigilantism will break out and people will take the law into their own hands.
He is on the wrong tack altogether. Once a law abiding citizen finds his home invaded and his person and perhaps his (or her) family under threat, the ‘law ‘ has already broken down and failed. He is now on his own. If in fear, panic or rage he injures or even kills the intruder, so be it. A few more dead burglars would lead to fewer burglaries. It should be a rule of law that once you intrude upon someone else’s property uninvited with hostile intent, unless with a warrant, your human rights are suspended and you are subject to whatever wild response your victims may apply.
There is another thing. Generals do not make political policy. They carry out orders. Lawyers should have nothing to do with law making. Their job starts once the people have decided.