Originally Posted by
JRR
From the Lectic Law Library:
"A man may defend himself and even commit a homicide for the prevention of any forcible and atrocious crime, which if completed would amount to a felony; and of course under the like circumstances, mayhem, wounding and battery would be excusable at common law. A man may repel force by force in defence of his person, property or habitation, against any one who manifests, intends, attempts, or endeavors, by violence or surprise, to commit a forcible felony, such as murder, rape, robbery, arson, burglary and the like. In these cases he is not required to retreat, but he may resist and even pursue his adversary, until he has secured himself from all danger."
I'm not suggesting you use deadly force to repel some dumbass kid who is trying to take your pocket change, but a few stiches across his arm might allow you to keep you paycheck and teach him a lesson in the process.