The Decibel Is it legal to defend yourself if someone breaks into your home?
Sep 2, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Andrew Coyne, an opinion columnist for The Globe and Mail, dives into the complexities of Canadian self-defense laws. He examines a recent break-in case that has divided public opinion and sparked political debates. Coyne highlights the emotional and legal nuances of home defense, exploring the crucial balance between protecting oneself and the legal repercussions that follow. He also shares comparisons with U.S. self-defense laws, shedding light on how cultural perceptions shape our understanding of these legal frameworks.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Alleged Nighttime Break-In And Injuries
- A man allegedly broke into Jeremy McDonald's apartment at around 3 a.m. and was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after being assaulted with a knife.
- Both men were charged: the intruder with break-and-enter and weapons offences, and McDonald with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon.
Reasonableness Is The Legal Core
- Canadian law allows home defense but requires that force be reasonable in the circumstances.
- Reasonableness is judged by what a reasonable person in the same frightening situation would do, not by an abstract standard.
Law Accounts For Human Frailty
- Courts consider human reactions like panic, confusion, and startle when judging reasonableness.
- You can overreact as long as a reasonable person in the same circumstances would likely overreact similarly.
