AFAIK, nowhere in the US or Canada (probably the rest of the world, too!)
is it legal to kill someone for stealing.  The crime of theft is not
punishable by death, so let them have whatever they want.
  They could end up killing you, and what's more valuable, you property or
your life?
  Citizens' arrest is legal, but restraint (only) is the action you should
legally exercise, until the police arrive. Obviously, the guy with the gun
is wrong, once the police arrive, no matter what the circumstance. Don't be
that guy.
  However, if you feel that your life is in danger, you CAN defend yourself
with equal or greater force, as necessary to prevent harm to yourself
(imagine what the judge and jury will be evaluating in court).

Mike B.

----- Original Message -----
From: "courtney hook" <courtneyhook@SHAW.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2007 12:29 PM
Subject: Re: Alarm system, was Bus story - using a gun???

> Unbelievable; charging the guy for protecting his own property!! This
> brings up a good question; In Canada, you would undoubtedly be put in jail
> for pointing a weapon at someone, but in the U.S. where you have more
> rights you could probably get away with this. Has anyone ever actually
> used a gun to defend their property or family??
> Regards,
> Courtney
>
> He also took with him a 12 gauge shotgun,
>> which he held on the 2 guys until another resident called the
>> police. As is
>> typical in our twisted world, the first cop to arrive was going to
>> chargemy friend with some BS charge for the shotgun and let the 2
>