zlacker

Let's say that there was the "perfect" non-lethal weapon. Kind of like a phaser from Star Trek set to "stun" mode.

Would that be a good thing? I imagine there would be a lot of cases where they just stun everyone because, why not?

For that matter, maybe just implant everyone with a lights-out switch.

>>jeffda+(OP)
I know your comment was flippant but it demonstrates really constrained thinking. I don't know the path to get there but there are plenty of societies with better mental and democratic health than the US. It is possible to have a society that doesn't allow police to routinely kill people.

>>jeffda+(OP)
Falling from standing height is really dangerous, especially for people of full adult height (acceleration due to gravity is worse the higher your head is, and your head's the main concern—it's part of why toddlers can fall over all day, even on somewhat hard surfaces, and unless they hit just wrong they'll be OK). "Stun" that immediately dropped people would still kill and cripple sometimes.

[EDIT] especially in Star Trek where the stun sometimes tosses people off their feet, too, quite a few of those people/aliens would end up dead or requiring a visit to the med bay, IRL.