Lesson 9.1: The Legal Foundation for Defensive Force
A permit to carry is not a permit to use force.
Minnesota Statute 624.714 addresses the authority to carry a pistol under a Minnesota permit. It does not give the permit holder police powers, immunity, or permission to use force.
Use of force is judged separately under the facts, the law, reasonableness, and necessity.
Carry Authority Is Not Force Authority
Carrying a pistol raises the standard of personal discipline.
The firearm is not carried to settle arguments, protect pride, scare people, enforce manners, or make another person comply.
It is carried for the rare emergency where lawful defensive force may be necessary.
Defensive Force Must Be Justified
Minnesota Statute 609.06 addresses reasonable force. Minnesota Statute 609.065 addresses the narrow circumstances involving deadly force.
A permit holder must be able to explain what happened, what threat existed, why force was necessary, and why the response was reasonable.
Defensive force is not just a feeling. It is a legal claim based on facts.
Davey Defense Standard
Carry authority is not force authority.
If the facts do not support lawful defensive force, the firearm stays out of it.