States laws on 'Deadly Force'

I believe the shooting of a thief at night in Texas came from the very old days of nighttime cattle rustling. Horse thieves were usually hung in those days, night or day rustling.

most people in Texas are not aware of the NIGHT except some educated bad guys. I found out about it years ago through a lawyer, then some years ago more details when taking mandatory live courses for the Texas Handgun Concealed Weapons License.

Like I say, not sure if still on the books as of today, but hope it still is, and only trained/educated people know what they are doing.

the right to defend self.

but if your in my home day/night unlawfully, i can and will perferate your body.
this isnt directed at you john in case you thought was

last yr a woman and her car were hyjacked broad daylight a man saw it happen, followed car calling cops perp cut off a cement truck woman died and he pulled a gun on the guy following lucky the man was a licensed gun carrier shot perp deaD
the perp was wante for 2 raped was out on parole
the grand jury dint bring charges

My daughter lives in Atlanta and I taught her how to use a handgun.

but as it is now i can defend myself in home
if i see some one whos in trouble might get charged but as i feel its apropriet to use deadly force i will to defend others.

you know why you dont want to wound? they will sue you

no need to fake break in
and i allways have a spare bat in closet

You mean any stranger that wanders in anytime of day or night through an unlocked door can be shot, even a little old man who doesn't know which door is which?

your house uninvited is breaking in
im in fear of my life

but if its daytime ill try to not kill if i see its an old man
but if i di id be ok

on a house or building is covered in Deadly Force if the property cannot be protected by any other means. However, I do not know about pasture/grass fires and also the possible difficulty in determining if someone could be accidently starting one. Even Ranchers burn scrub timber, and some burn fields. But usually in dry parched weather the County puts out warnings about starting fires, with fines, instead of a deadly gunshot.

till cops came

if the guy decides to flee, you cannot shoot.

There is no provisions for shooting someone after arson has started or for shooting a fleeing arsonist. Perhaps you are thinking of making a citizens arrest, but can't shoot except in self defense which comes under different rules.

I would say just call the Sherrif's department and report someone burning a pasture during dry/parched seasons, it could be just a hired hand of the owner following instructions, and there would probably be a $$ fine or warning to the owner for violation of burning restrictions.

burning houses but killing thousands of cattle and horses.

I do understand the idea of controlled burns, and I think it is a good idea if you know what you are doing.

I'd like to see an authoritative source on this...maybe I'll do some reading when I have time.

of the Texas Concealed Handgun Laws and Selected Statutes, LS-16, October 1999.

Under Protection of Property, PC 9.41 and PC 9.42: (bold type is mine)

Needs to be justified in using force against the the other under Section 9.41: and
under Section 9.42:

(2) when and to the degree he reasonably believes the deadly force is immediately necessary:

(A) to prevent the other's imminent commission of arson, burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery, theft during the nightime, or criminal mischief during the nightime; or

(B) to prevent the other who is fleeing immediately after committing burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery, or theft during the nighttime from escaping with the property; and
(Pls note arson is not listed in the fleeing.)

(3) he reasonably believes that:

(A) the land or property cannot be protected or recovered by any other means; or

(B) the use of force other than deadly force to protect or recover the land or property would expose the actor or another to a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury.

So, how are you going to determine imminent commision of arson? Witnesses that the guy had his hand back with a Molentov Cocktail ready to throw? I don't believe just your word would hold up in court that he had a torch or matches ready to set the pasture on fire and that you believed it was arson.

Like I said, it could be the owner or his hired hand with a match ready to set fire to his pasture to burn off the grass for future growth, and it would only be a $ fine or warning.

Best to report and let the Sheriff handle the law enforcement of pasture fires, and not end up in prison for murder or manslaughter.

As far as burning of grass...aprx 14 years ago when traveling through Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska on the way to North Dakota, forget which state, believe Oklahoma, we observed miles and miles, at least 30+ continuous miles of burnt grass. Thought maybe lightning started the fire, but came across ranch crews burning the grass on purpose, which is apparently a yearly ritual.