Imagine an adult brown belt asking you this question during class: “I live in a gated community. Sometimes, I see two teenage kids walking down the street at night. They’re wearing hoodies and clearly don’t belong here. I think they’re casing cars. I don’t want to call the cops and get accused of profiling. What should I do?”
Here’s a breakdown of the options:
- Avoid Confrontation: Why? Confronting the kids or trying to scare them off opens a legal can of worms. Risks: If they attack in response, the situation can become legally complex and costly. Legal Consequences: Your student could face serious legal issues, especially if the minors are injured. The odds are stacked against them in court, especially without witnesses to support their side.
- Call 911: Why? This is the safest option legally. How it Helps: Law enforcement can handle the situation professionally. Your student avoids confrontation and the associated legal risks.
Legal Implications: Minors Involved: Assaulting a minor can lead to severe legal consequences. Witness Issues: It’s often one person’s word against two. Without corroborating evidence, proving self-defense can be challenging and expensive.
Legal Fees: Defending against accusations can result in significant legal fees and prolonged stress. Understanding Self-Defense Law: To be a true self-defense expert, you must understand the self-defense laws in your state.
Recommended System: Law enforcement-based Self-Defense is the official self-defense system of the Martial Arts Teachers' Association. It’s based on law enforcement principles, not just techniques.
Action Steps: Learn the Law: Read and re-read “The Law of Self-Defense” to better understand your legal responsibilities and rights.
Training: Consider additional training with systems like law enforcement-based Self-Defense to stay informed and prepared.