I have one sitting next to me, as it arrived today. It’s a tripwire device, which when triggered, releases pepper spray into the air. One would need to go to some extra lengths to consider that a potentially lethal device.
I had ordered that device because someone kicked in the back door of my currently vacant house, proceeding to steal whatever they could lay their hands on and cutting copper pipes.
I agree that it’s unlikely to be lethal. Perhaps I’m using the wrong terminology – when I said “trapped” I meant something that is meant to restrain intruders until the owner or police deal with them.
False Imprisonment
Could be common law battery. You aren’t in any physical danger, so self-defense is out.
I considered that, but then, economic defense would be a consideration in a trial, as I DID lose all of my copper pipes in my basement and have a door frame destroyed by the burglars (who, I learned today, were arrested inside of the house, as they foolishly opened the front door and left it open while they were rampaging inside of my house.
Indeed, the court would be asked if economic harm of an uninsured person, who has significant health issues is a risk to the injured homeowner and indeed, if the court would find it preferable that I spend nights there, heavily armed.
I HAVE considered civil court against the arrested individuals, but when considering the area and “types” of people who do such things, I’d NEVER manage to recover any damages.
But, that is an issue that is local in nature, hence, court decisions are a bit different than various other areas of the nation.