Reasonable Physical force to Stop or prevent unlawful Trespass?

[dcmdon]

Hi all,

As someone who lived in CT for 45 years, I've got a good grasp of CT laws. But having moved to MA I'm constantly finding situations where I don't know the MA law.

CT allows you to use reasonable physical force to prevent or end a criminal trespass event.

Does MA have any similar law?

Thanks in advance.

Don

p.s. Please, no speculation. If you are going to answer, then please bring a citation.

p.p.s. Text of relevant CT General Statute.

a person in possession or control of premises, or a person who is licensed or privileged to be in or upon such premises, is justified in using reasonable physical force upon another person when and to the extent that (he/she) reasonably believes such to be necessary to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission of a criminal trespass by such other person in or upon such premises.

 

[not new guy]

My understanding is that you want to keep a throw-down chicken on hand and hope that the trespasser is an animal and not a human.

 

[dcmdon]

My understanding is that you want to keep a throw-down chicken on hand and hope that the trespasser is an animal and not a human.

Thanks for your deep insight into the issues at hand.

 

[not new guy]

MA Jury Instructions:


https://www.mass.gov/doc/9260-self-defense-defense-of-another-defense-of-property/download

III. DEFENSE OF PROPERTY A person may use reasonable force, but not deadly force, to defend his lawful property against someone who has no right to it. A person may also use reasonable force, but not deadly force, to regain lawful possession of his property where his (her) possession has been momentarily interrupted by someone with no right to the property. Finally, a person may also use reasonable force, but not deadly force, to remove a trespasser from his property after the trespasser has been requested to leave and has refused to do so.

See also: Commonwealth v. Haddock, 46 Mass. App. Ct. 246, 704 N.E.2d 537 (1999)

 

[dcmdon]

Now I'm removing the sarcasm.

Thank you for your help.

Is there a way for me to close the thread to further posts?

 

[drgrant]

Now I'm removing the sarcasm.

Thank you for your help.

Is there a way for me to close the thread to further posts?

I can kill it, lmk if you want it reopened