Disclaimer: I’m not advocating any sort of violence. I’m only advocating self defense rights. I personally believe that the primary goal in self defense is to apprehend/restrain the assailant(s) and or force the assailants into retreat before calling 911. Lethal force in self defense situations should never be the first option, lethal force should only be used as a last resort option. Secondly, be sure to confirm that the assailant is an actual assailant. Lastly, be sure to obey the self defense laws in your area even if you disagree with them.
Long story short, I support the right for people to defend themselves, their property and their loved ones from threats. A few months ago, I debated with someone who has liberal views on this topic. That wasn’t what really upset me, what upset me was that this individual thinks self defense rights should be repealed because it’s “evil” to subdue a assailant. Obviously I called out this individual on that illogical rhetoric. Below you’ll see why I believe self defense rights should be considered human rights and some laws that should be modified. Note: blue text are links to relevant articles.
1. You don’t know what the assailant’s intentions are: Why take a chance? The person I debated with actually showed sympathy towards assailants by saying “how evil can you be” just because I said a person should have the right to subdue the assailant. Logically, you don’t know what the assailants true intentions are, so it’s best to take precautions by apprehending the assailant(s) before they actually carry out their intentions.
2. Hiding is too risky: Another argument this person tried to use to oppose personal defense is saying that a person should “hide” and call 911 instead. The reason hiding is too risky is because the assailant has a chance of finding you and retaliating for calling 911. This is why it’s best to apprehend the assailant and then call 911. If you don’t have what it takes to fight back, then evacuate the house, call 911, let your neighbors know what’s going on since there’s a chance at least a couple of your neighbors will help apprehend the intruders(citizen’s arrest) until the police arrive.
3. Castle doctrine isn’t enough and isn’t protected: The castle doctrine only “allows” people to defend themselves or loved ones if the assailants are in private property. Even with this law, the person still runs the risk of getting into legal trouble just for defending themselves. The reason the castle doctrine isn’t enough is because it doesn’t protect self defense rights while in public. For that, the “stand your ground” has to be in effect.
4. Stand your ground deters crime: This law allows citizens to defend themselves against assailants in public. With this law, a person has the right to use any means necessary to defend themselves from assailants in public. For example, if a person tries to steal your wallet, you have the right to subdue them and put them under “citizen’s arrest”. Unfortunately California doesn’t recognize “stand your ground”.
5. Concealed carry: Concealed carry can be beneficial especially for those who like to go jogging a lot. Call me pessimistic but lone joggers run the risk of being assaulted, which is why they should be allowed to carry pocket pistols, tasers, pepper spray and any concealable weapon. Unfortunately states like California have notoriously strict laws regarding concealed carry even for weapons that aren’t guns.
6. There needs to be Less limitations on concealable weapons: California has ridiculous laws that limit a person’s self defense weapons, including banning the purchase and ownership of brass knuckles, blast knuckles, batons etc. it’s even illegal to carry an item in public that “can be used as a weapon”. The only weapons that should be restricted are explosives.
7. No more guilty until proven innocent: The main reason why a lot of people are afraid to defend themselves is because they know they run the risk of getting into legal trouble. This is unacceptable, a person shouldn’t get into any kind of trouble just for defending themselves. Many innocent lives have been ruined just because of the “guilty until proven innocent” mentality. It should be innocent until proven guilty. Plus self defense has saved many lives.
8. Defending loved ones: A person should have the right to defend family and friends. For example parents defending their children. A person should also have the right to defend their pets. 
9. Defending property: A person should also have the right to defend their property(home, car, items etc) from any intruder/attacker. There is no logic in just letting a delinquent damage or steal property.
10. Help won’t teleport: Another argument people use is “why not just call 911?” Because help won’t arrive in a instant . It will take a while for help to arrive especially if there is traffic or if you are in a secluded area(mountain, woods etc) Yes, you should call 911 but you should also defend yourself and try to apprehend the assailant before he/she gets away. That way you can turn in the assailant to the police. 
11. Confirmation: The one argument people like to use to “argue” against self defense rights is “What if you make a mistake?” Read what I said in the disclaimer, make sure you properly identify the suspect as a legitimate threat before you take action. Whether it be at home or in public.
Summary: Personal defense should be a natural human right. A person shouldn’t have to hesitate to subdue to a home invader or some assailant in public due to fear of getting into legal trouble. In my opinion, it’s morally wrong to infringe on a person’s self defense rights.
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