CANADALAND Intruder! How Violently can we Defend Ourselves?
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Aug 29, 2025 Harrison Lowman, the Managing Editor of The Hub, dives into the fiery debate over self-defense in Canadian law, sparked by a recent home invasion case. He discusses the political climate, highlighting how figures like Doug Ford and Pierre Poilievre are shaping perceptions of home safety. The conversation unpacks the complexities of defining 'reasonable' defense responses. Lowman also reflects on urban insecurity post-COVID, revealing the nuanced relationship between crime rates, public sentiment, and policy responses. Historical contexts of safety are also examined, creating a rich backdrop of contemporary challenges.
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Politicians Amplify One Case Into A Culture War
- Politicians amplified a Lindsay home-invasion case to argue citizens should be free to use any force against intruders.
- Jesse Brown and Harrison Lowman stress Canadian law already allows self-defence but within limits.
Cahill Shooting As A Cautionary Example
- Jesse recounts the Peter Cahill case where a homeowner shot a man rummaging through his truck.
- The trial found Cahill not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, highlighting legal limits.
Self-Defence Law Hinges On Proportionality
- Canadian law permits self-defence including deadly force when proportionate to the threat.
- The hosts emphasize legal reasonableness, not a free pass to maim intruders.