Can’t wish away harm

Perhaps the two Gonzaga students and their attorney may consider the doctrine of competing harm (aka doctrine of necessity) in defense of their actions where they justifiably utilized an appropriate level of force in defense of themselves. I would certainly think that such an eminent institution as Gonzaga University would be familiar with this legal tenet, and would incorporate it into their decision-making in this case.

Police and security cannot be everywhere at once, as was the case that night, hence the burden of self-defense is a natural right of all. All that some criminals understand is the threat of countervailing use of various degrees of force. If we could just wish crime away with a foolish rule or law, then we could change the name of police force to fluffy police.

Robert Smith

Coeur d’Alene