simply put, they demonstrate “intent”.
While I understand your point about intent, these signs may also offer deterrence, which would be a positive influence on convincing a criminal to think twice or go to an unarmed home or business.
They can turn a “Beware of Dog” sign against you, too.
Agreed…
[ simply put, they demonstrate “intent”. ]
If intent to protect your self and property is now a crime...
Then self defense is dead already!
Not in a rational world. Nope.
Any lawyer will tell you that saying “words” apart from means and ability does not trigger a lawful self-defense response, so neither would “statements” such as these, at law. Now granted, a person may decide that such words are not nice or even harmful, and if on a jury that may influence (unlawfully) an outcome.
Remember, any response with application of force requires the offender to have demonstrated three legs- Ability, Intent and Imminence, and the “victim” also needs to be in Jeopary as a reasonable person would view it.
How to install a Southern Home Security System
1) Go to Goodwill and buy a pair of 14-16 men’s work boots.
2) Place them on your front porch along with a copy of Guns & Ammo magazine.
3) Put four giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazines
4) Leave a note on the door that reads:
Bubba,
Me and Marcel, Donnie Ray and Jimmy Earl went for more ammo and beer. Be back in an hour. Don’t mess up with the pit bulls. they got the mailman this morning and messed him up bad. I don’t think Killer took part, but it was hard to tell from all the blood.
Anyway, I locked all four of ‘em in the house. Better wait outside.
Be right back.
Cooter.
I’d argue that they merely demonstrate willingness to consider an appropriate response to violence and/or crime.