- Messages
- 2,790
- Reactions
- 5,993
In Oregon the following laws apply:Legally speaking you are allowed to use deadly force if you suspect the building being set on fire has living occupants inside. Although I think the liberal Oregon courts would see it differently.
Limitations on use of deadly physical force in defense of a person
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_161.219
ORS 161.225
Use of physical force in defense of premises
https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_161.225
Basically, you can use physical force to defend against arson in Oregon. You can use it protect property if you are "A person in lawful possession or control of premises" And you cannot use it to protect persons
"unless the person reasonably believes that the other person is:
(1)
Committing or attempting to commit a felony involving the use or threatened imminent use of physical force against a person; or(2)
Committing or attempting to commit a burglary in a dwelling; or(3)
Using or about to use unlawful deadly physical force against a person. [1971 c.743 §23]"I think the wording of the protect persons law was phrased in the negative to discourage people from doing it. I think the Legislature would prohibit it if the tradition, history, case law, and Natural Law didn't overwhelmingly endorse the right to self-defense and the defense of others.