Gulf Coast Looting Defenses

[jyoung]

What is the name of your state? curious in FL

been watching the news coverage of the widespread looting, was curious whether there is actually a legal defense for stealing supplies if you feel your life is in jeopardy? I'm not advocating looting, I think it sucks but if I was left with the shirt on my back and the rising river even I might have evil thoughts.

Plus, looks like some of the local gendarmes were helping themselves according to news reports..

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

What is the name of your state? curious in FL

been watching the news coverage of the widespread looting, was curious whether there is actually a legal defense for stealing supplies if you feel your life is in jeopardy? I'm not advocating looting, I think it sucks but if I was left with the shirt on my back and the rising river even I might have evil thoughts.

Plus, looks like some of the local gendarmes were helping themselves according to news reports..

My response:

In this situation, the emergency itself is a legal defense. There is a legal and moral difference between this, and say, the Rodney King or Watts riots. The difference being the doctrines of "imminent peril" or "imminent death;" i.e., "immediate and substantial harm"

IAAL