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Booby trap laws: Is it illegal to go the full “Home Alone†to stop bad guys?
In these uncertain times, it's not uncommon to find yourself thinking more about how to protect your home. You might be considering security cameras, stronger locks, or even a firearm. Or perhaps you've found yourself searching online, “Are booby traps legal?†It’s a question many people ask when they're feeling vulnerable.
Movies like *Home Alone*, *Skyfall*, and *A Nightmare on Elm Street* often show characters using clever and sometimes dangerous devices to protect their homes. But in the real world, booby traps are far from a smart or safe idea. They’re not just illegal in most places—they can lead to serious legal consequences, even in states with strong self-defense laws.
The reality is that booby traps don’t discriminate. They can harm anyone who triggers them—whether it's an intruder, a child, a guest, or even you or your family. Unlike the movies, where characters survive dramatic attacks, real life doesn’t always end so well. People don’t walk away unscathed after being hit by pipes, electrocuted, or set on fire. The law also isn’t lenient when it comes to such injuries or deaths.
In fact, the real-life version of Kevin McCallister from *Home Alone* didn’t use a paint bucket—he used an AR-15. And that’s exactly why booby traps are so dangerous: they’re unpredictable, and the results can be devastating.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Courts have a long history of ruling against those who use booby traps.
- These traps pose a serious risk to children, first responders, and innocent bystanders.
- If someone is injured or killed by a trap you set, you could face criminal or civil liability.
**Are booby traps illegal?**
The short answer is yes—most of the time. Setting up a booby trap and causing harm or death can lead to serious legal consequences. One attorney we spoke to, Stephen J. Newman, said it plainly: “DO NOT DO THIS!!!†(emphasis his own).
You might wonder, “It’s my house, right? Why can’t I protect it however I want?†That’s a fair question—but the law has its reasoning. While there may not be a specific federal law banning booby traps, there is a wealth of **case law** that shows how courts have consistently ruled against them.
Case law refers to the body of legal decisions made by judges in previous cases. When the law is unclear, judges look at past rulings for guidance. And based on those rulings, using a booby trap is almost always a bad idea.
One of the most famous cases involving a booby trap is *Katko v. Briney*. In this 1970s case, a man rigged a shotgun to fire when a door was opened. A thief triggered the trap, was severely injured, and sued. The court ruled in favor of the victim, awarding him $30,000 in damages. This case established that even if someone trespasses, you can’t use deadly force without consequences.
Another notable case is *People v. Ceballos*, where a man set up a gun in his garage. A teenager was shot in the face, and the man was convicted of assault. Later, a handyman named Philip Connaghan rigged a shotgun to a tripwire. When a young man was killed, the community supported him, but he still faced a six-year probation sentence.
These cases highlight a key point: the law sees booby traps as dangerous and indiscriminate. They don’t distinguish between criminals and innocent people. Plus, they pose a threat to police and firefighters who may respond to emergencies.
So, while it might seem tempting to take matters into your own hands, the risks are too high. Booby traps are not only legally risky but also potentially deadly. Even if they were somehow legal in your area, they’re not a responsible or safe solution.
In the end, the best way to protect your home is through proper security measures, like alarms, cameras, and strong locks. If you feel threatened, contact local authorities instead of trying to handle it alone. After all, the law is on your side—if you follow it.