Texas-Book-Gun Law Armed And Educated - Flipbook - Page 218
PRACTICAL LEGAL TIP
Was Ricky’s use of force against Fred legally justified? Maybe, but
probably not. It will be a very hard sell to a jury that a person was
beaten up over a red stapler. However, some members of a jury may
value a red stapler much differently than a black stapler. What if a thief
is stealing irreplaceable family photos? There’s no monetary value to
be placed there—only personal sentiment. Again, the law is silent on
the subject of any monetary value of property to be defended.
There are plenty of clever signs and
bumper stickers out there advocating
the use of a firearm. “Keep honking, I’m
reloading,” and even “Trespassers Will
Be Shot” are seen often on the bumpers
of Texas cars and the fence posts of
Texas homeowners. But these signs,
despite the chuckle they may elicit from
a passerby, are not a good idea. Even
if meant only to prompt a laugh, if you
are forced to use your firearm to defend
yourself and end up in court, you can
bet that the prosecutor will bring these
signs up to the jury for consideration.
Remember, a prosecutor will use every
avenue to paint you in the worst light
possible. Keep the laughs to yourself
and take the signs down! —Emily
The point to be made here is that some items simply may not have
enough value (financial, sentimental, or otherwise) to provide a
person with a reasonable belief that the use of force or deadly force
When Can I Legally Use My Gun: Part IV | 207
