Using someone as a human shield. Is it against the law?

[Hamburgers]

Using someone as a human shield. Is it against the law? Would you get prison time for it?

[Prettygurl12]

link

According to this article, it is illegal to use a human shield and is prohibited by the international humanitarian law.

This article speaks mostly of international, militant affairs, but I'm sure it could be applied to stand offs with local police forces as well.

However, I don't think it would apply to one sibling using another as a shield to protect them from a third sibling who is out to get them in a game of tag :)

[Betwyn]

Well.. I'm not sure where you live...

But I'm guessing in "the west"

If you are using someone as a human shield...

it's likely against the cops...

So, regardless of whether the "shielding" is illegal or not...

You're already in trouble, yeah?

[Hamburgers]

Lol. I'm in America, it's merely something I pondered earlier. The Colorado movie theater shooting is a time you are a victim, not in trouble, and could use someone as a human shield, for example.

I'd also like to chime that I do not condone it.

[Anonymous]

of course it is illegal. you would be guilty for putting someone else's life in danger. it would most definitely be some kind of manslaughter or maybe even some degree of murder. it depends on the state you are in and their criminal laws.

[Hamburgers]

Putting someone in danger, that makes sense. Thanks

[Michaelmwm19]

Yes it is, it's the same ordeal whenever you see someone injured or in pain and just walk away, they are both crimes, I'm not sure what level they are on but, yeah if there are witnesses that you held someone in front of you to take a bullet or something, then you're going to get in trouble for it, it's the same thing as killing them in my opinion and a sh*tty thing to do.

[Hamburgers]

Hmm, are you sure about that? In regards to leaving someone who is injured? I've never heard of a law like that.

[MrOracle]

I'm not sure if it's technically criminally illegal (probably a state-by-state issue), but you could expect to get sued for 5 times your lifetime income by their family in civil court.

Just the idea is disgusting and cowardly. Learn how to actually DEFEND YOURSELF and become responsible for your own safety.

[Thatoneguyxander]

For what reason would you use a human shield? It's probably not illegal in most situations but, I'd rather shield than use someone as one.

[maiez]

i don't think its against the law, but its a terrible thing to do, I would rather put my body in front and take the damage or charge the criminal

[xHoneyxBeex]

I have no idea if it is against the law or not but...I'm pretty sure it would be frowned upon.

[repetron]

I don't beloved so

[Anonymous]

It's quite illegal.