Current Events > If Someone Punches You & Runs Away, Can You Go To Jail For Shooting Them?

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Lets say that there is a scenario where

A. Jim and Joseph are having a heated argument. Jim is legally allowed to carry and own a gun. Joseph decides to punch Jim, and immediately runs away. Jim decides to shoot Joseph.

B. David is minding his own business, doing his own thing. John, who either has a mental disability or is secretly planning an attack, runs up to David and punches him with the intent to knock him out. When he realizes that David isn't KO'd, he runs away.

Basically, what would happen if you shoot someone that not only attacked you, but ran away?

Yes, you'd go to jail in both scenarios.

Even in stand your ground states, as a fleeing person is no longer presenting a realistic threat.

Depends on the state and the legally defined threshold for self defense.

Without looking up the exacts, shooting in those scenarios would likely be illegal in roughly half the country.

Id say probably no argument for self-defense in 99% of cases, but Im sure there is at least some circumstance where you could probably argue that you thought they were going to come back and do more harm or something. It would have to be a large physical disparity like a small woman and a very large man though.

Just call the cops on him and file for assault.

Someone running away isnt a threat so you dont get to shoot them

I guess in the first one you might get away with shooting in fear of retaliation.

"Wow, that's a dumb question"
*sees TC's name*
"Well played..."

In rare cases it is legal to shoot someone in the back (and I'm thinking that only applies to law enforcement and corrections) neither of these scenarios fit.

I'm trying to remember the specifics. I know correctional officers can shoot fleeing felons attempting an escape. Cops can shoot people fleeing court/jail for a felony charge and the on I'm trying to remember the wording to right. Something like if they commit a felony and flee and is believed to pose a threat if allowed to get away

Like I guess for example guy goes in and shoots up a place hits a few people but decides to book it once the cops show up. I believe the cops have the right at that point.