Self-Defense

I was surprised and dismayed to see that some of your readers (letters, Feb. 29 and Platform, March 1) viewed my comments (Feb. 21) regarding the law of self-defense as a condemnation of watch store owner Lance E. Thomas. Please set the record straight.

I believe in self-defense. Indeed, Thomas may very well have been acting properly in defending himself and others. Nonetheless, as my remarks reflected, I think that it is important for the community to examine carefully any situation in which a person repeatedly kills others. The issue is whether the killing is both necessary and reasonable. If it is, the law permits it as self-defense. If it is not, the killing should not be allowed. As a community, we should not be afraid to ask difficult questions. We should, however, be leery of those who would encourage us to ignore them.

LAURIE L. LEVENSON

Associate Professor of Law

Loyola Law School