Description
This course is an intensive 8 hours covering justified self-defense in Pennsylvania. Instructors include two criminal defense attorneys experienced in self-defense law, and when available, a licensed psychologist. Topics covered include the following:
• Examining general principles of self-defense law applicable in most jurisdictions. Specific focus will be placed on Pennsylvania's Justification ("self-defense") statute with examples from relevant case law interpreting statute by appellate courts. Topics will include, among others, an overview of the criminal process, criminal charges those using force may face, and Pennsylvania's defense of self, defense of others, defense of property, Castle Doctrine, and Stand Your Ground laws.
• Using force ethically and consistently with legal requirements of self-defense laws.
• Recognizing potential threats through understanding the criminal mind.
• Understanding how to articulate danger signs that an attack is imminent.
• Psychological, physiological, and biomechanical aspects of a lethal force encounter that impact performance, perception and memory of the event. Topics include Body Alarm Reaction (BAR), Fight/Flight/Freeze/Dissociate, short and long term effects of BAR, OODA Loop, Action v. Reaction, and the Tueller "Rule."
• Managing the aftermath of a self-defense shooting including psychological and social aspects, contact with responding law enforcement, formal statements to authorities, and expectations in the event you are criminally charged.
Tuition is $175.00 for non-WSSA members and $150.00 for current WSSA members in good standing as well as members of their immediate houshold.