In a message dated 11/25/2003 1:23:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, s.schear@comcast.net writes:

I know that there have been cases which determined that its illegal to use an indiscriminate weapon (e.g., a shotgun tied to a door) to deter such entries, but what about a discriminate, automated, weapon system? By coupling night vision optics and a video pickup, image recognition software, a robotic gimbal and an semi-automatic firearm, such a system could discriminate forced entry situations from more normal entry means, target intruders and initiate deterrence. What then?

In the 1996 release of the film, "The People vs. Larry Flynt", there is a scene where a warrant is served on Flynt's home. His bedroom typified the ultimate "safe room" where the agents serving the warrant couldn't get in until the room was opened from the inside. Obviously everyone doesn't have the money that Flynt has in order to effectively harden ones house, but you can cheaply and rather effectively improve your haunts to allow more warning. The system you describe would in most jurisdiction still be considered illegal and premeditative. You're better off with passive measures. Regards, Matt-