Pat asks:
Hi
If the thief leaves the house, may the homeowner pursue outside to kill or does that make the homeowner a Rodef? This occurred to me because of current discussions in the US about "stand your ground" laws.
Pat, Greenbelt MD USA
The Kollel replies:
The Rambam (Hilchos Geneivah 9:11) rules that whether the thief successfully stole or did not even steal, if he is leaving (i.e. in the process of running away) the homeowner is not allowed to kill him.
All the best,
Yaakov Montrose