A Victim’s Deliberate Use of Deadly Force Is a Just Response to Repeated Domestic Violence

A victim's deliberate use of deadly force is a just response to repeated domestic violence.

According to Senior Senator Dianne Feinstein, "Domestic violence causes far more pain than the visible marks of bruises and scars. It is devastating to be abused by someone that you love and think loves you in return. It is estimated that approximately 3 million incidents of domestic violence are reported each year in the United States." It is because I agree with Senator Feinstein, that domestic violence must be stopped, that I must affirm the resolution. A victim's deliberate use of deadly force is a just response to repeated domestic violence. My value for this round is that of Justice, defined as Retributive Justice. For justice to be served, the criminal must repay his debt to society by enduring a punishment proportional to the crime committed. My criterion for this round is Individual Rights, defined as the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled. Before I begin I'd like to define some key words:

Victim- One who is harmed or killed by another.

Deliberate- Done with intention or on purpose; intentional.

Deadly Force- Force that carries a substantial risk of causing serious bodily injury. As a general rule, deadly force may be used without incurring tort liability when one reasonably believes that one's life or safety is in danger.

Just- Guided by truth, reason, justice, and fairness. Under retributive justice, the punishment for a crime must be proportional to the crime.

Domestic Violence- Acts of violence against a person living in one's household, especially a member of one's immediate family.

My first contention is that years of abuse causes psychological trauma.

According to the Domestic Violence Agency Services, "Domestic violence often causes severe psychological trauma, which can continue long after its victims have found physical safety." When someone is the victim of repeated domestic violence, they have an immense psychological burden. The abuse can cause their judgment to suffer. When one's life is threatened, they don't have the ability to think calmly and rationally. Just as a cornered animal will defend its life at all costs regardless of its predator, the victim of repeated domestic violence will instinctively defend himself.