If I walked out my front door and saw a burglar stealing a handcrafted rocking chair off my front porch?

Question

and the only means of self-defense I had at my disposal was an authentic cat 'o nine tails, how many lashes can I legally give the thief? Is there a limit to the loss of blood by the criminal before I would be held liable?

Answer 1

I would think that only enough lashes to get him to leave.

Answer 2

I'm pretty sure that if he is on your property, you can hit him enough times to get him off your property... however, given our culture, he'd probably hire a lawyer and sue you for "mental anguish" or some other ridiculous claim....

... just make sure you don't try to crucify him after lashing him. ;)

Answer 3

Sadly to say, only as many as it takes to fend him off.

Answer 4

i dont think you can actually hit him. just make noise, dont touch him. only if he attacks you can you hit him.

Answer 5

Why are you carrying around a cat-o-ninetails?

Answer 6

Trick question.

Someone stealing an item form your porch wouldn't be a burglar, they would be a thief.