In this lesson, students learn the general rules for the lawful use of force for defense of self or property. After a brief discussion, students watch a video clip that deals with the issue of self-defense.
Students then discuss whether the person in the video acted lawfully.
The lesson can then take one of two directions. Students either develop ideas about what can be done to avoid threatening situations, or they conduct a mock legislative hearing on a gun law that might have prevented the situation in the video clip. Forming and carrying out public policy. Students should be able to evaluate, take, and defend positions about the formation and implementation of public policy. The video clip shows the police investigation of a shooting that occurs in a homeowner's garage.