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Commonwealth v. Klein

372 Mass. 823 (1977)

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Commonwealth v. Klein

Massachusetts Supreme Court
372 Mass. 823 (1977)

KL

Facts

One evening, Edward Klein (defendant) noticed two men robbing a drugstore across the street from his home. He approached the men with a gun and attempted to make a citizen’s arrest. The robbers tried to escape, and Klein shot them both. Klein was arrested and convicted of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon. He appealed, arguing that Massachusetts law granted him the right to use force when making a citizen’s arrest.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Hennessey, C.J.)

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Criminal Law

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