Hub Podcasts Excessive force—or self-defence? The law should protect victims
Sep 11, 2025
Joanna Baron, a writer at The Hub and author of a thought-provoking article on self-defense, discusses the contentious topic of homeowners’ rights during break-ins. She argues compellingly for supporting homeowners who protect themselves, contrasting this with public sentiment towards criminality. The conversation touches on legal reforms, societal perceptions, and historical viewpoints on self-defense. Joanna also briefly explores the slow adoption of AI in Canadian workplaces, highlighting the disparity between employee and leader perspectives on technology use.
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Kleinburg Home Invasion Sparks Backlash
- The Kleinburg home invasion left Abdul Alim Faruqi shot in front of his family and provoked public outrage.
- Joanna Barron highlights the visceral reaction to police urging victims to ‘‘stand down’’ during violent break-ins.
Self-Defence Rooted In Legal Tradition
- Historical legal thought treats the right of self-defence as fundamental and inalienable.
- Thinkers from Hobbes to Blackstone justify lethal force when violent burglary invades the home.
Poilievre's Proposed Home-Defense Presumption
- Pierre Poilievre proposes a statutory presumption that force used against unlawful home entry is reasonable.
- The change would shift initial legal presumption toward homeowners in violent break-ins.
