Reply #1

I want to hold people to a lower standard when it comes to defending themselves rather than others. Some people don't have the skills, tools, or nerve to render aid with deadly force, and shouldn't be punished for refraining from doing so. Even those with the skill and nerve may not find an opportunity to do so safely. Their prudent hesitation shouldn't be grounds for civil penalties. On the other hand, I wouldn't object to a statute requiring witnesses to a violent crime to either render aid or seek to bring them aid (e.g. calling police, alerting other bystanders).

Just to remind other readers: Most people who witness a violent crime do not have a gun. Presumably, a "duty to rescue" law would apply to them more often than it would ever apply to an armed witness.