Where does self-defense end and murder begin?

[SleepingWarrior]

What are the limits involved with defending yourself from the police? Is there ever any point where you could kill a police officer in self-defense (The police officer IS on the job and in uniform when you do it)?

If an officer is using excessive force against you to the point your fear for you life could you legally kill them in defense of your life? Or are police officers untouchable in regards to self-defense?

 

[T.H. Oughts]

When you go beyond the bounds of saving your life...

When you striked once more when there was no need for it to save your life...

 

[apmadox]

Self-defense is no different with police (on or off-duty) than with anyone else. Your right to act in self-defense arises when someone uses unlawful force against you, no matter who they are.

If a cop uses unauthorized, unlawful, or excessive force, you are justified in using sufficient force to defend yourself (or a third person, for that matter). If the excessive force is potentially life-threatening (or, put another way, if you reasonably fear for your life and limb), then you are justified in using lethal force.

Of course, the likelihood of prevailing against police witnesses in a court is a different matter...

 

[Lost Cause]

Better to be tried by twelve....

Than carried by six!
I was this close (gesturing with thumb and forefinger) to making that choice with my Waffen State Patrol. The trooper was a nose from my face, veins poking out all over his face, and his hand on his weapon. My offense? He didn't like my head movement while pulling my motorcycle over! He said it was bobbing like I was saying, "Now what is this for?". He called me smartass, and fuckin' biker. I had never had any cop go off like this asshole. (I was a military cop + other things)
He got me to the point of thinking "I may have to kill this insane motherfucker." I made up my mind that if his weapon came up, I was going to take his windpipe and eyes.
He calmed down after he ran my license, like bi-polar! He told me he rode motorcycles like he was trying to be my friend. No ticket was written!! I felt lucky actually, I've had friends that have had guns shoved behind their ears by WSP's for wearing the wrong helmet!!

*I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you do not feel your life, or the life of another is in deadly peril, you cannot use deadly force.