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achtung_heiss
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No, not with a weapon such as a bat.
Of course, Jehovah's Witnesses well-understand both their legal rights and those of the householder. The Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses instructs its ministers to avoid confrontation with property owners, and to respect demands that they leave a property owner's property.
With over a million door-to-door canvassers in the United States, the respectful nature of Jehovah's Witnesses' ministry is generally well-understood by police and prosecutors. A bona fide Jehovah's Witness will be understood to be well-protected by dozens of precedents at the Supreme Court level. Ironically, threats and attacks against Jehovah's Witness ministers are likely to be prosecuted as "hate crimes".
The questioner is advised to put away his bat and consider a simple "No Trespassing" sign. |
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Hannah J Paul
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The short answer is no.
In the United States, Jehovah's Witnesses have the legal right to carry out their door-to-door ministry. While it is true that your home is your private property, this does not mean others do not have the right to knock on your door. This issue has been resolved more than once by the United States Supreme Court. Moreover, their door-to-door activity is protected by the First Amendment.
I am sorry if you are overly disturbed by the visits of Jehovah's Witnesses. If you firmly tell them to leave your property, they are obligated by God and by law to do so. However, you do not have the right to brandish a weapon of any sort in any threatening manner simply because they knocked on your door. Neither do you have the right to encourage any attack from any animals you may have on your premises. You should know that this sort of act exposes you to arrest and the filing of criminal charges.
If you wish their visits to terminate, you may wish to ask them specifically to place your address on a "do not call" listing. They will make a note of your address (only) on this list and it will be put in plain view at their meeting place. Thereafter, each time they are scheduled to visit that particular territory (your neighborhood), this "Do Not Call" notation will display to them before they get to your neighborhood. When they arrive, they will skip your house. No one will call at your address for at least one year. I hope this helps you out.
Please try to remember that Jehovah's Witnesses are carrying out this work in imitation of their Lord Jesus and in imitation of his first-century apostles and disciples. Luke 8:1; Luke 9:1-2; Luke 10:1-4; Acts 5;42; Acts 20:20. They are not there to annoy you. They genuinely care.
Good fortune to you.
Hannah J Paul |
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tskelton155
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No you do not have a "legal right" to threaten someone with bodily harm on your property. Common sense dictates that you tell the people that you are not interested and bid them good day. IF they persist (I have not know any that have, to date) then you call the police and ask if they would send someone over to disperse trespassers. It hurts their ministry to have persons arrested or documented as being a civil nuisance. If you threaten them in any way you can be charged. BY THE WAY--a weapon is classified as any instrument intended for that purpose OR any instrument used outside of its origional content to do harm. Example: the baseball bat is designed to hit baseballs. If you use it to defend or attack it now becomes a deadly weapon.
Dr. Tommy Skelton, LL.B |
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Chad C
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You could just ask them to leave, and then you wouldn't have to worry about it. We'll smile say have a nice day and leave. |
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Shelonda C
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A threat of bodily harm is usually considered "Assault" in most states.
Hitting with the bat is "Assault and battery" So no you can not legally chase someone off your porch with a bat you can be charged with assault.
Besides they are only following God's commandment to preach.
However, others also need to hear the good news so that they too can be saved. All true Christians must witness to others. It is God's command.—Romans 10:10; For with the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation.
1 Corinthians 9:16; 16 If, now, I am declaring the good news, it is no reason for me to boast, for necessity is laid upon me. Really, woe is me if I did not declare the good news!
1 Timothy 4:16. 16 Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Stay by these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.
If you wish to know more about why we preach go to http://www.watchtower.org/
Why be so mean when all you have to do is say I am not interested and we will remove you from our list. Try it you won't get another visit unless you move. |
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Spindrift
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Just don't answer the door. |
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Sherry B
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no |
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nopopopopo
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well technically a bat is not considered as a lethal weapon :) |
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sugarlips
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Why would you want to do such a thing to people that are bring you goods news? If you feel that they are so annoying why not just ask them to leave, and let them know that you would like for them not to come back.
You do know there are time when we only want to scare and person, but something major happens. Just be polite.
OUR WORLD IS FILLED WITH ENOUGH VIOLENCE AND HATE.
HAVE YOU HUG ANY ONE TODAY OR HAVE YOU TOLD AND ONE THAT YOU LOVED THEM TODAY? |
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Bubbatops
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Why don't you invite one in and listen who what they have to say? If you don't like it, then kindly ask them never to come back and have them make a record of it. But be responsible enough to let them know when you move to another house so they can call on the new resident when you're gone. They're only trying to help people. They mean you no harm. |
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Ed J
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Invite them in offer them a beer and turn on that xxx rated video for them to watch. That should make their day. |
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CeciliaM
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Only if they pose imminent threat of physical harm. |
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Sweetdaddy Rex
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NO ! |
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Ishvarlan feels Dangerous
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Possibly, though probably not. It seems a waste to me, as simply explaining you aren't interested works fine. |
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Dale B
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I'd use a Super Soaker. Less threatening, immediate gratification and it's fun! |
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Love Me Or Hate Me...I Dont Care
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I would chase them off if they keep coming back in the same day or week trying to convert you. Heck, I might sit in my car and run them off my yard. :p
Seriously, unless they pose a threat to you, you cannot do that. Now you can open the door, see them, and slam the door shut and say "LEAVE ME THE F**K ALONE"...that will work. :) |
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Curtis C
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No, If they have a weapon on the other hand that is different. |
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Patrick G
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Depends on where you live.
In The GREAT STATE of TEXAS, you you can use justifiable force to remove someone from your property.
In California.... you could be arrested for brandishing a weapon with intent to harm.
I'm sure each state has laws regarding this subject that fall somewhere between the two extremes. |
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Charlotte G
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I'm not sure. Just throw those popper things at them. You know, those "firecracker" things that make noise when you throw them at the ground. |
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Jessica's Man
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If not... I won't tell. |
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Will J
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no |
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Viennacardinal
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Do what I do...invite them in, help them to know and understand who the REAL Jesus is. They don't know Him. Read up on what JWs teach, see how it's differant from what mainstream Christains know, help them to see from the Bible how they misquote and misunderstand very important things like the diety of Christ, the condition of the soul, etc. They are people just like you, great people in fact. Treat them with respect and kindness.
We have an eternity to face after this life, this is the only time to understand where you are going to to be going when you die....you have to get it right. No one else will be to blame but yourself when you are standing before God's throne with no answer to the question "Why should I let you into my Kingdom?" |
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wizjp
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Best bet would be a vampyre bat on a leash; otherwise you stand a chance of menacing or threatening,. |
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omegahpla
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What if they turned you in to PITA for animal cruelty? Could you run the PITA uniformed pig off your property with a bat? lol ... just playin
You don't have the right to go right after them with a weapon, in any state. That is assault.
If they are invading your property with bad intent or hostile to your known wishes, sometimes in some states, yes.
Maybe if you had a visible sign, which you really should put up if you feel like chasing them with a bat, it would save you the trouble.
Those people are actually out there attempting to help you, regardless of how irritating it can be ... so why see them in a hostile light? Unless of course they won't stop after you have taken measures to warn them to stay the heck away from your house. At that point the good intentions are eclipsed by bad actions and they need to be dealt with because they have no right to invade your space.
You could take it to them though, and attend their church meetings in a speedo and listen to rock n roll on a boom box. See how they would react to you intruding on their space on your own terms ... lol |
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~testube Jebus~
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i liked the super soaker idea!
fill it with liquor |
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jbubz
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Do you believe in Jesus? Jesus knocked on doors. What is wrong with someone sharing a bible scripture or two? Jesus shared scriptures. What is wrong with trying to help people draw closer to God? People were drawn to Jesus and his teachings. What is wrong with someone taking the time from their lives and their day to try and to help someone that may be looking for help? Jesus gave his life. Ask yourself What Would Jesus Want me to Do? Jehovah's Witnesses are not bad people. They love Jehovah and Jesus and are just trying to share and santify Jehovah's name to all. Then the end will come. |
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Nena
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why not take the time to see why they are so persistant? If you don't like what you hear ask them not to come back. there is a reason behind their being persistant. We are all humans, why be rude? |
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chamoritta522
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Why ever would you want to do that? They are there for one reason - to spread the good word on the ALL MIGHTY and powerful Jehovah. Apparently, you must be uninformed... you are missing out! |
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Mike
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Just put a cross on your front door and hang a US flag.. |
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missya01
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As I define soliciting....ringing my doorbell and your not my friend who called prior to coming by. ringing my bell and leaving your little pamplet inviting me to something. I don't give a ratz azz about the supreme court, when you work midnights and have nicely asked them to stop and they continue, my next open door will have a shot gun pointed at their heads cause i am sure no brain is inside. And Nina, I can be whatever I want I AM AT HOME AND NOT RINGING YOUR DOORBELL trying to sell God. |
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judah Isreal
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impossible; they hide out down the block getting high off Jesus like your head is supposed to be in on their game show, in Berkeley CA; I think bear traps are outlawed |
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No Spam
Adult 
Gambling
Unfinished
Deception
Plagiarism
Not English
