[AngryJawa]

Here's a question:

Let's say someone with a legal CCW (not likely in CA, but let's pretend) ran 50 yards to the aid of that lawyer and then put the attacker down. How much trouble would he be in?

[robertpaulsen]

"How much trouble would he be in?"

For coming to the aid of a lawyer? Plenty.

[45Auto]

Let's say someone with a legal CCW (not likely in CA, but let's pretend) ran 50 yards to the aid of that lawyer and then put the attacker down. How much trouble would he be in?

That is a good question. California law allows a third party to use deadly force to intervene in such a case as this; if the good Samaritan fired only once to stop the attacker, he would probably not be charged. If he hit the aattacker with more than one bullet, then he could be charged, but maybe not. That's why I like the .45 Auto; one round at close range in the right place will usually suffice.

[Atlas Sneezed]

Let's say someone with a legal CCW (not likely in CA, but let's pretend) ran 50 yards to the aid of that lawyer and then put the attacker down. How much trouble would he be in?

---

If you see someone gunning down a cowering person, there is no doubt that the gunner is the wrongdoer. (Contrast the case where a man holds another man at gunpoint, and could be an undercover cop making an arrest.)

If there is no moral doubt that you are witnessing an attempt at murder, then you have every right to use deadly force to stop the attack. And that means firing as many bullets as needed until the attacker lacks the capacity to continue his murderous attack.

But there is something to be said (by many self defense instructors) that if the victim isn't an innocent known to you, take cover, call 911, and be a good witness. Your instinct and conscience will probably take over at the time anyway.