*Scene in court*
Judge: Well young fella-me-lad,you have now been convicted of B&E and I know have to pass sentence.
*puts on black silk square*
You shall be taken from this place to a place of execution, and there shall be hung by the neck until dead.
Right - NEXT!
*Cheers from Doors to Automatic and Max Continuous, sitting in the gallery
The simple fact is that with a progressive system of punishments the courts (at least not since the 1700s) don't execute people for robbery, and neither should you! Defending your person against an attack is a different matter.
God help me if I ever break down near your place, and wander up to your front door in the dark looking for a phone!