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Booby trap laws: Is it illegal to go the full “Home Alone†to stop bad guys?
In uncertain times, it's natural to think more about how to protect your home. You might be considering video cameras, stronger locks, or even a firearm. Or maybe you've found yourself searching online, “Are booby traps illegal?†While movies like *Home Alone*, *Skyfall*, and *A Nightmare on Elm Street* show characters using elaborate traps to scare off intruders, the real-world consequences are far more serious.
In reality, booby traps are not only legally risky but also extremely dangerous. They can harm not just the person they're meant to stop, but also family members, children, or even first responders. Unlike the exaggerated antics of fictional characters, real life doesn't always end with a slapstick moment — people get seriously injured or worse.
Take *Home Alone*, for example. Kevin McCallister uses a simple AR-15 to deal with burglars, not pipes and paint buckets. Real people don’t survive being hit in the head with heavy objects or electrocuted. The law isn’t sympathetic to such cruelty, and if someone is harmed by a trap you set, you could face criminal or civil charges.
So what should you know? Courts have consistently ruled against those who use booby traps. These devices pose a serious threat to everyone, including kids and emergency personnel. If someone gets hurt or killed, you’re likely to be held responsible.
The legal stance on booby traps is clear: they are not approved by the law. Even though there may not be a specific federal law banning them, case law has repeatedly shown that using such devices can lead to serious consequences. A lawyer we spoke to, Stephen J. Newman, put it simply: “DO NOT DO THIS!!!â€
You might argue that it’s your home and you have the right to defend it. But the law sees things differently. Booby traps lack discretion and can cause harm without warning. This was highlighted in the famous *Katko v. Briney* case, where a homeowner rigged a shotgun to fire when a door opened. When a trespasser triggered it, he was severely injured and won a $30,000 settlement.
Another case, *People v. Ceballos*, involved a man who set up a gun in his garage. A teenager was shot in the face, and he was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon. Later, Philip Connaghan in Denver rigged a shotgun to a tripwire after repeated break-ins. It ended up killing a 19-year-old, and although he received community support, he still faced legal consequences.
Booby traps are dangerous not just for intruders, but for anyone who enters the area — including police and firefighters. They can create unpredictable and deadly situations, which is why courts often side against those who use them.
In short, while it might seem tempting to take matters into your own hands, the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits. There are safer, more effective ways to protect your home — like installing security systems, improving locks, or consulting with a legal expert. Booby traps, however, are not the solution. They’re a legal and moral minefield that could end up hurting you, your loved ones, or innocent bystanders. Stay safe, and think twice before setting anything that could turn your home into a danger zone.