Like most hypothetical questions .... apples are being compared to oranges.
This "youth" as we call them up here, is a criminal.
1/ illegal possession of a handgun - min. age 19yrs. -must have firearms possession licence(Canadian terms, a restricted firearm)
2/ carrying a restricted firearm without proper permit (Restricted Firearms are restricted Where you use them & How you get them there.) There maybe as may as ten private citizens in this country that can carry concealed (private, as in, not under any type of profession) You must prove that their life & safety is in danger that the police are unable to provide protection.
3/ carrying a concealed weapon ( explained above)
Now!.... Here in my lovely country, the registered owner of said firearm would probably be charged, related to Safe Storage.
Now we come to the actual shooting. The "victim" must have a "reasonable" (as a normal cautious prudent person)belief that "serious bodily harm or dead may occur" in order to justify the use of deadly force.
For one to defend oneself, one can only match the level of force presented to justify "defence". Anything beyond that is deemed excessive force and you become the aggressor, thus openning you up to criminal charges.
A firearm by its nature is viewed as lethal force.
1/ Fire one at somebody and miss... used lethal force
2/ Fired and nicked a finger... used lethal force
3/ Fired and blew heart out of back... used lethal force
Start to see the trend??
However, blow a knee cap out, or hand or elbow and admit this as you intended target to "wound". Face lawsuit and pay the scrout big bucks for the rest of you life.
------------------
Be Safe, Be Trained
Life is tough...it's alot tougher if you don't know how to shoot.
[This message has been edited by Tackleberry (edited January 06, 2000).]