III Defence of Property Question 1. We do not believe that deadly force should be used in the defence property. However, we believe the defence of property could be included in self defence provisions and that a new law of self defence should be developed to cover a general principle for the justifiable use of force. A new law of defence of property could be included in self-defence law. This could maintain the distinction between real and personal property.
Someone breaking into a car is different from someone breaking into a home.
We do not believe that protection should be expanded to cover a broader range of interference than presently exists. We believe that the honest perception of the accused is too subjective a test. We strongly concur that taking human life solely for the defence of property is never justified. At the same time, incidents which begin with an offence against property may result in some form of violence which could be brought about by a need for self-defence.