The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #103495 Message #2109343
Posted By: Greg B
23-Jul-07 - 12:23 PM
Thread Name: Harris and the Mare - murder or not?
Subject: RE: Harris and Mare - murder or not?
One might argue that Clary's response to the wife's 'blow' (if it were, for example, a slap) was disproportionate and beyond that required in self-defense. Therefore, the narrator might have been justified in escalating the matter, what with his wife on the floor like she was dead.
But perhaps not--- the narrator would have had to be in fear for himself or another to use the force that he testifies to (i.e., slamming Clary' head into the parlor door, apparently repeatedly).
On the other hand, the final escalation comes from Clary, who produces a knife.
No doubt the narrator would be tried for 2nd-degree manslaughter and would make the self-defense argument.