Read it on the web two days ago and am still having a hard time believing it.

The UK has defined the rules of using deadly force against burglars in the home a little more broadly to benefit the home owner. They have even included the use of weapons at hand as reasonable in the stress of the moment where it used to be a real gray area before. I don't know if renters of apartments are covered and they say nothing about being accosted by robbers on the streets or public places.

Maybe they will soon realize that locking blade knives are reasonable too.

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

We americans worry to much for our british cousins. Because of our close cultural and historic ties, what they do may rub on on us, like a brother who declares he's gay or has cancer. Human society is in a constant flux; changing, borrowing, adapting. Some fail, some continue relatively intact for centuries. Personally I have more immediate concerns. If you haven't observed a skilled martial arts practitioner with a Brolly, do so <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hmmm...I'm surprised at you BountyHunter, the not-so-meek pollitical cynic cavorting amongst us. Firstly lets not forget this is an election year for us over here. There has been a lot of public outcry over this case:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/717511.stm
So much so, together with some remarks made by a high ranking police officer, in favour of self defence, makes me wonder if its not just a vote grabbing exercise.
Secondly the issue is is about defending yourself in your property against a burglar - not about getting mugged (or worse) on the street. There, somewhere, lies the difference.
I suppose using self defence against a burglar in your home means there's no real doubt who is transgressing who's rights. On the street theres an element of doubt on who is attacking whom if both are carrying knives. (and no I'm NOT suggesting everyone who carries a knife is a criminal. By carrying a knife in this country you are labeled as a danger to society regardless...so you could argue its better not to)
The case linked above shows how unjust the current law is, and why they are proposing changing it.
However don't be fooled into thinking we brits are changing our laws for the better. The new legislation has yet to be passed in Parliament, let alone tested in a court of law. It is doubtful if the bill will be passed by the next election anyway - it might yet be quietly forgotten about..
A cynic....moi?

How many foot pounds of force does a Brolly deliver at 50 foot and does it make a sound as intimidating as a shotgun being brought to battery (Being loaded for you neophytes.)?

Bountyhunter

Maybe I missed something. What is a "Brolly"?

Brolly = Umbrella

Joblot:

What is a Lady from Bristol?

Bountyhunter

It may have other meanings, but " a Lady From Bristol" or "Lady of Bristol" is cockney rhyming slang for "pistol".
Taken literally, Bristol is a large, elegant city in the southwest of England. Trouble is language/slang is forever changing, and in this country it changes from region to region. So while the phrase above might be used in London it would be rarely used in Scotland. The meaning is also often tied into the context of the sentence it was originally used in, making the phrase even harder to decipher - which was the reason cockney rhyming slang was used in the first place...

Joblot:

I picked up that little bit of slang from an old Cary Grant movie he made in England before he became a cinema star in the USA, and yes, he was referring to a pistol.

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I won't comment on the tragedy of the death of this youngster.

But generally speaking, nowadays, it looks more and more that burglary is a job like any other job !
So there should be some way for burglars to take a insurance against their "professional" risks (i.e. being hurt or kiled, and even, why not, against home owners without any valuable at home !).