Debate: Right of self-defense

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Should there be a "right" of self-defense?

Background and context

Partially from Right of self-defense:: The right of self-defense (also called alter ego defense, defense of others, defense of a third person) is the right for civilians acting on their own behalf to engage in violence for the sake of self-defense of one's own life or the lives of others, including the use of deadly force. This debate asks whether people should have a right of self defense?

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Is killing one person to save more than one life a reasonable act of self defense?

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Yes

• Utilitarian argument: many deaths and much suffering could be prevented if one man is killed. The greater good demands a single evil act is done, especially if it would avert the immediate and certain danger of much worse evil. Who now wouldn’t wish that Hitler had been killed in 1933? If someone is harming you, there should be no reason for you not to harm them.

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No

• Moral absolutes argument: murder can never be justified. If we assume the role of executioner without the backing of law we are sinking down to the level of the criminals.

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Would crime decrease if there was a right of self defence?

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Yes

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No

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Pro/con resources

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Yes

• Joyce Lee Malcom. "Self-Defense: An Endangered Right". CATO Institute. March/April 2004

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No

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See also

External links and resources: