nothing to be proud of, but first kilted scuffle

[Panache]

As far as I'm concerned, once someone puts his hands on you in any way that seems threatening, a physical response is justified. It's sounds like you handled the situation quite well. Unfortunately, it also sounds to me like you may not have heard the last of that guy.

I'm in agreement with Jay here. This time he brought a friend to back him up. I'd be very careful the next time.

Cheers

Jamie

[David White]

I'm in agreement with Jay here. This time he brought a friend to back him up. I'd be very careful the next time.

Cheers

Jamie

Agreed with Jay and Jamie,
Next time there may be no warning and three instead of two.

[Oldhiker]

Being a former Hooiser (20+yrs ago) I understand the type. MOST Hoosiers are super down to earth people but a few have blinders on to anything different. Kilts would be definately different in Indiana. I know people who have not gone 50 miles away from home... ever.

[Clockwork John]

You responded appropriately. You stayed calm and in control, and you used just enough force to get the point across.

But I have to agree with the others... Watch out. That punk may come back with more friends, and there probably won't be any conversation or warning next time.

Good for you, good luck, and watch your back!

[ardchoille]

Hector, I believe you responded appropriately.

This man broke two rules:
1) Never touch a stranger (who knows the training they have had)
2) The toes you step on today may be connected to the backside you have to kiss tomorrow (he may need you for something someday)

I also agree with others who have said to collect documentation - most pharmacies have video cameras - just in case there is a need for it in the future.

[gilmore]

You responded appropriately. You stayed calm and in control, and you used just enough force to get the point across.

...

Where did you go to law school?

Sorry, but on the facts given, our friend could easily be found guilty of battery, if they were established in court.

Force can be used only to resist an attack on one's own or another's person. There must be impending peril of unlawful force without convenient or reasonable mode of escape, and there must be a reasonable belief of immediate danger.

According to the facts set out, there was no threat of immediate physical danger, nor was leaving the scene at all impossible.

Further, only as much force as is reasonably required may be lawfully used. E.g., the use of deadly force against non-deadly force does not constitute a defense of self defense. In other words I doubt that neither the mere tugging of a sporran belt ---having already been done---nor even the threat of one's sporran belt being tugged again (which was not in the facts given), would legally justify knocking some one to the ground.

[Spc. Scott]

Where did you go to law school?

Sorry, but on the facts given, our friend could easily be found guilty of battery, if they were established in court.

Force can be used only to resist an attack on one's own or another's person. There must be impending peril of unlawful force without convenient or reasonable mode of escape, and there must be a reasonable belief of immediate danger.

According to the facts set out, there was no threat of immediate physical danger, nor was leaving the scene at all impossible.

Further, only as much force as is reasonably required may be lawfully used. E.g., the use of deadly force against non-deadly force does not constitute a defense of self defense. In other words I doubt that neither the mere tugging of a sporran belt ---having already been done---nor even the threat of one's sporran belt being tugged again (which was not in the facts given), would legally justify knocking some one to the ground.

Probably true. It's too bad this "misguided scrapper" can't just see the err of his ways. Maybe pour himself a bowl of Cheerios and find a nice spoonful of "open mind" in it. Or perhaps a slice of toast with a bite of "ego deflater" in it.

But on the other hand, there have been a couple of people that I have come across that I just couldn't really get along with till we had a little dust up. After that we became fairly good friends.