a heroic act essay

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What makes a hero, we all have an inner hero, argues philip zimbardo . here's how to find it..

This month, Greater Good features videos of a presentation by Philip Zimbardo, the world-renowned psychologist perhaps best known for his infamous Stanford Prison Experiment. In his talk, Zimbardo discusses the psychology of evil and of heroism, exploring why good people sometimes turn bad and how we can encourage more people to perform heroic acts. In this excerpt from his talk, he zeroes in on his research and educational program designed to foster the “heroic imagination.”

More on Heroism

Watch the video of Philip Zimbardo's Greater Good talk on heroism.

Read his essay on " The Banality of Heroism ," which further explores the conditions that can promote heroism vs. evil.

Read this Greater Good essay on the "psychology of the bystander."

Learn more about Zimbardo's Heroic Imagination Project.

What makes us good? What makes us evil?

Research has uncovered many answers to the second question: Evil can be fostered by dehumanization, diffusion of responsibility, obedience to authority, unjust systems, group pressure, moral disengagement, and anonymity, to name a few.

But when we ask why people become heroic, research doesn’t yet have an answer. It could be that heroes have more compassion or empathy; maybe there’s a hero gene; maybe it’s because of their levels of oxytocin—research by neuroeconomist Paul Zak has shown that this “love hormone” in the brain increases the likelihood you’ll demonstrate altruism. We don’t know for sure.

I believe that heroism is different than altruism and compassion. For the last five years, my colleagues and I have been exploring the nature and roots of heroism, studying exemplary cases of heroism and surveying thousands of people about their choices to act (or not act) heroically. In that time, we’ve come to define heroism as an activity with several parts.

First, it’s performed in service to others in need—whether that’s a person, group, or community—or in defense of certain ideals. Second, it’s engaged in voluntarily, even in military contexts, as heroism remains an act that goes beyond something required by military duty. Third, a heroic act is one performed with recognition of possible risks and costs, be they to one’s physical health or personal reputation, in which the actor is willing to accept anticipated sacrifice. Finally, it is performed without external gain anticipated at the time of the act.

Simply put, then, the key to heroism is a concern for other people in need—a concern to defend a moral cause, knowing there is a personal risk, done without expectation of reward.

By that definition, then, altruism is heroism light—it doesn’t always involve a serious risk. Compassion is a virtue that may lead to heroism, but we don’t know that it does. We’re just now starting to scientifically distinguish heroism from these other concepts and zero in on what makes a hero.

My work on heroism follows 35 years of research in which I studied the psychology of evil, including my work on the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment . The two lines of research aren’t as different as they might seem; they’re actually two sides of the same coin.

A key insight from research on heroism so far is that the very same situations that inflame the hostile imagination in some people, making them villains, can also instill the heroic imagination in other people, prompting them to perform heroic deeds.

Take the Holocaust. Christians who helped Jews were in the same situation as other civilians who helped imprison or kill Jews, or ignored their suffering. The situation provided the impetus to act heroically or malevolently. Why did some people choose one path or the other?

Another key insight from my research has been that there’s no clear line between good and evil. Instead, the line is permeable; people can cross back and forth between it.

This is an idea wonderfully represented in an illusion by M. C. Escher, at left. When you squint and focus on the white as the figures and the black as the background, you see a world full of angels and tutus dancing around happily. But now focus on the black as the figures and the white as the background: Now it’s a world full of demons.

What Escher’s telling us is that the world is filled with angels and devils, goodness and badness, and these dark and light aspects of human nature are our basic yin and yang. That is, we all are born with the capacity to be anything. Because of our incredible brains, anything that is imaginable becomes possible, anything that becomes possible can get transformed into action, for better or for worse. 

Some people argue humans are born good or born bad; I think that’s nonsense. We are all born with this tremendous capacity to be anything, and we get shaped by our circumstances—by the family or the culture or the time period in which we happen to grow up, which are accidents of birth; whether we grow up in a war zone versus peace; if we grow up in poverty rather than prosperity.

George Bernard Shaw captured this point in the preface to his great play “Major Barbara”: “Every reasonable man and woman is a potential scoundrel and a potential good citizen. What a man is depends upon his character what’s inside. What he does and what we think of what he does depends on upon his circumstances.”

So each of us may possess the capacity to do terrible things. But we also posses an inner hero; if stirred to action, that inner hero is capable of performing tremendous goodness for others.

Another conclusion from my research is that few people do evil and fewer act heroically. Between these extremes in the bell curve of humanity are the masses—the general population who do nothing, who I call the “reluctant heroes”—those who refuse the call to action and, by doing nothing, often implicitly support the perpetrators of evil.

So on this bell curve of humanity, villains and heroes are the outliers. The reluctant heroes are the rest. What we need to discover is how to give a call to service to this general population. How do we make them aware of the evil that exists? How do we prevent them from getting seduced to the dark side?

We don’t yet have a recipe for creating heroes, but we have some clues, based on the stories of some inspiring heroes.

I love the story of a wonderful nine-year-old Chinese boy, who I call a dutiful hero. In 2008, there was a massive earthquake in China’s Szechuan province. The ceiling fell down on a school, killing almost all the kids in it. This kid escaped, and as he was running away he noticed two other kids struggling to get out. He ran back and saved them. He was later asked, “Why did you do that?” He replied, “I was the hall monitor! It was my duty, it was my job to look after my classmates!”

This perfectly illustrates what I call the “heroic imagination,” a focus on one’s duty to help and protect others. For him, it was cultivated by being assigned this role of hall monitor.

Another story: Irena Sendler was a Polish hero, a Catholic woman who saved at least 2,500 Jewish kids who were holed up in the Warsaw ghetto that the Nazis had erected. She was able to convince the parents of these kids to allow her to smuggle them out of the ghetto to safety. To do this, she organized a network.

That is a key principle of heroism: Heroes are most effective not alone but in a network. It’s through forming a network that people have the resources to bring their heroic impulses to life.

What these stories suggest is that every one of us can be a hero. Through my work on heroism, I’ve become even more convinced that acts of heroism don’t just arrive from truly exceptional people but from people placed in the right circumstance, given the necessary tools to transform compassion into heroic action.

Building on these insights, I have helped to start a program designed to learn more of heroism and to create the heroes of tomorrow.

The Heroic Imagination Project (HIP) is amplifying the voice of the world’s quiet heroes, using research and education networks to promote a heroic imagination in everyone, and then empower ordinary people of all ages and nations to engage in extraordinary acts of heroism. We want to democratize the notion of heroism, to emphasize that most heroes are ordinary people; it’s the act that’s extraordinary.

There are already a lot of great heroes projects out there, such as the Giraffe Heroes Project . The HIP is unique in that it’s the only one encouraging research into heroism, because there’s very little.

Here are a few key insights from research we’ve done surveying 4,000 Americans from across the country. Each of these statements is valid after controlling for all demographic variables, such as education and socioeconomic status.

Heroes surround us. One in five—20 percent—qualify as heroes, based on the definition of heroism I provide above. Seventy-two percent report helping another person in a dangerous emergency. Sixteen percent report whistle blowing on an injustice. Six percent report sacrificing for a non-relative or stranger. Fifteen percent report defying an unjust authority. And not one of these people has been formally recognized as a hero.

Opportunity matters. Most acts of heroism occur in urban areas, where there are more people and more people in need. You’re not going to be a hero if you live in the suburbs. No shit happens in the suburbs!

Education matters. The more educated you are, the more likely you are to be a hero, I think because you are more aware of situations.

Volunteering matters. One third of all the sample who were heroes also had volunteered significantly, up to 59 hours a week.

Gender matters. Males reported performing acts of heroism more than females. I think this is because women tend not to regard a lot of their heroic actions as heroic. It’s just what they think they’re supposed to do for their family or a friend.

Race matters. Blacks were eight times more likely than whites to qualify as heroes. We think that’s in part due to the rate of opportunity. (In our next survey, we’re going to track responses by area code to see if in fact these heroes are coming from inner cities.

Personal history matters. Having survived a disaster or personal trauma makes you three times more likely to be a hero and a volunteer.

Based on these insights into heroism, we’ve put together a toolkit for potential heroes, especially young heroes in training, who already have opportunities to act heroically when they’re kids, such as by opposing bullying.

A first step is to take the “hero pledge,” a public declaration on our website that says you’re willing to be a hero in waiting. It’s a pledge “to act when confronted with a situation where I feel something is wrong,” “to develop my heroic abilities,” and “to believe in the heroic capacities within myself and others, so I can build and refine them.”

You can also take our four-week “Hero Challenge” mini-course online to help you develop your heroic muscles. The challenge may not require you to do anything heroic, but it’s training you to be heroic. And we offer more rigorous, research-based education and training programs for middle and high schools, corporations, and the millitary that make people aware of the social factors that produce passivity, inspire them to take positive civic action, and encourage the skills needed to consistently translate heroic impulses into action.

We’re also in the process of creating an Encyclopedia of Heroes, a collection of hero stories from all over the world. Not just all the classic ones and fictional ones, but ones that people from around the world are going to send in, so they can nominate ordinary heroes with a picture and a story. It will be searchable, so you can find heroes by age, gender, city and country. These are the unsung, quiet heroes—they do their own thing, put themselves in danger, defend a moral cause, help someone in need. And we want to highlight them. We want them to be inspirational to other people just like them.

Essentially, we’re trying to build the social habits of heroes, to build a focus on the other, shifting away from the “me” and toward the “we.” As the poet John Donne wrote: “No man [or woman] is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; … any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”

So every person is part of humanity. Each person’s pulse is part of humanity’s heartbeat. Heroes circulate the life force of goodness in our veins. And what the world needs now is more heroes—you. It’s time to take action against evil.

About the Author

Philip Zimbardo

Philip Zimbardo, Ph.D. , is a professor emeritus of psychology at Stanford University, a professor at Palo Alto University, a two-time past president of the Western Psychological Association, and a past president of the American Psychological Association. He is also the author of the best-selling book The Lucifer Effect and the president of the Heroic Imagination Project .

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Very nice information. In this world this is the very difficult question that what makes people good or evil. This post has helped a lot to understand the difference. Actually in my point of it depends upon the individual that what he/she thinks. If he/she thinks negative all the time them they became evil and thinking vice versa makes them good.

Andrew | 2:31 am, January 19, 2011 | Link

I really like reading this article because there are many individuals in the world that are heroes but are not recognized.  Heroes that have help humanity progress and prosper have fought with the greatest weapons which are love, respect, sincerity, and peace.  The governments that have had the greatest fear of seeing people free have always use war for colonization, genocide, and false treaties.  However, love is much stronger than war, and thanks to the modern forms of communication and exchange of information, more people are united for peace and do not support or participate in colonization or human genocide.  Since the start of humanity most people have use peace to progress, few have participated in war and few are participating. May peace prevail on earth!

Victor | 7:48 pm, January 29, 2011 | Link

A son raising up against an evil father. A brother standing up to a bully attacking his sibling. A stranger rallying to the side of a woman being assaulted in the street.

My sons are my strength. My reason to help others, that they may find the help they need in their lives.

pops | 9:39 am, February 3, 2011 | Link

Of course religion and eduction has a big impact on a child. But once a child is trying to live a good life (earning good karma or call it whatever you want) good things will happen to that child and he or she will recognize this.

So I think you can definitely change from evil to good.. maybe you _can be changed_ from good to evil.

Massud Hosseini | 7:28 am, September 17, 2011 | Link

Actually in my point of it depends upon the individual that what he/she thinks

asalah | 9:41 pm, September 24, 2011 | Link

“Research has uncovered many answers to the second question: Evil can be fostered by dehumanization, diffusion of responsibility, obedience to authority, unjust systems, group pressure, moral disengagement, and anonymity, to name a few.”  <—What I find amazing about this statement is that anything is being branded “evil” at all.  Well, maybe not.  Relativism seems to be something that’s employed when convenient, disregarded when it’s not.

Kukri | 6:58 pm, November 6, 2011 | Link

This is a very comprehensive discussion on heroism. Victor makes a great point in his comment about how most heroes go unnoticed by the vast majority of people. I think that lack of notoriety is part of what it means to be a hero: doing that which is unexpected without the need for a pat on the back. quotes for facebook status

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When a sniper’s bullet hits one soldier and misses the person next to him, that alone does not make the wounded soldier more heroic.

brokesteves | 6:10 am, April 24, 2012 | Link

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Essays About Heroes: 5 Examples And Topic Ideas

Here, we’ll look at examples of essays about heroes and questions that can be used as topics for essays about an imagined or real hero.

A few different images likely come to mind when you hear the word hero. You may imagine Superman flying above the world with his superpower of flight. You may imagine a personal hero, a real person who has made a significant impact on your life for the better. You might think of a true hero as someone who has shown heroic qualities in the public eye, working to help ordinary people through difficult situations.

When writing an essay about your life hero, it’s important to consider the qualities of that person that make them stand out to you. Whether you choose to write an essay about how your mom got you through tough times and became your role model or about a political figure who made a difference in the lives of people in history, it’s key to not just focus on the person’s actions—you’ll also want to focus on the qualities that allowed them to act heroically.

Here, we’ll explore examples of hero essays and potential topics to consider when writing about a hero.

For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers

Examples Of Essays About Heroes

• 1. These Are The Heroes Of The Coronavirus Pandemic By Ruth Marcus
• 2. Why Teachers Are My Heroes By Joshua Muskin
• 3. Martin Luther King Jr.—Civil Rights Activist & Hero By Kathy Weiser-Alexander

4. Steve Prefontaine: The Track Of A Hero By Bill O’Brian

5. forget hamilton, burr is the real hero by carey wallace, topic ideas for essays about heroes, 1. what makes a hero, 2. what are the most important characteristics of heroes in literature, 3. what constitutes a heroic act, 4. is selflessness required for heroism, 1.  these are the heroes of the coronavirus pandemic  by ruth marcus.

“Is this what they signed up for? There is some danger inherent in the ordinary practice of medicine, but not this much. I confess: I do not know that I would do the same in their circumstances; I am not sure I am so generous or so brave. If my child were graduating from medical school, how would I deal with her being sent, inadequately protected, into an emergency room? If my husband were a physician, would I send him off to the hospital — or let him back into the house in the interim?” Ruth Marcus

Healthcare workers have had no choice but to go above and beyond in recent years. In this essay, Marcus discusses the heroism of those in the healthcare field. He delves into the traits (including selflessness and courage) that make doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers heroes.

2.  Why Teachers Are My Heroes   By Joshua Muskin

“Teachers are my heroes because they accept this responsibility and try extremely hard to do this well even when the conditions in which they work are far from ideal; at least most do. Our jobs as society, education systems, and parents is to do our best to be strong allies to teachers, since their success is essential to ours.” Joshua Muskin

In this essay, Dr. Muskin discusses the many challenges teachers face and what parents, administrators, and education researchers can do to help teachers support students. Muskin explains that most teachers go above and beyond the call of duty to serve their classrooms.

3.  Martin Luther King Jr.—Civil Rights Activist & Hero   By Kathy Weiser-Alexander

“During this nonviolent protest, activists used boycotts, sit-ins, and marches to protest segregation and unfair hiring practices that caught the attention of the entire world. However, his tactics were put to the test when police brutality was used against the marchers, and King was arrested. But, his voice was not silenced, as he wrote his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” to refute his critics.” Kathy Weiser-Alexander

In this essay, Weiser-Alexander details both the traits and the actions of Dr. King before and during the civil rights movement. The author touches on King’s commitment to justice, persistence, and willingness to stand for his beliefs despite difficult circumstances.

“I remember this so vividly because Prefontaine was a hero to me, a hero in a way that no one was before, or really has been since. A British commentator once called him “an athletic Beatle.” If so, his persona was much more Lennon than McCartney. Actually, I thought of him more as Mick Jagger — or ultimately James Dean.” Bill O’Brian

A hero to many in the running world, Prefontaine’s confidence, unique style, and unmatched athletic ability have been heralded for decades. In this essay, O’Brian shares how he, as a distance runner during the era of Pre, related to his struggles and ambition.

“Burr fought against an ugly tide of anti-immigrant sentiment in the young republic, led by Hamilton’s Federalist party, which suggested that anyone without English heritage was a second-class citizen, and even challenged the rights of non-Anglos to hold office. In response, Burr insisted that anyone who contributed to society deserved all the rights of any other citizen, no matter their background.” Carey Wallace

In this essay, Wallace explains why Aaron Burr, the lifelong nemesis of founding father Alexander Hamilton, should be considered a historical hero. This essay exposes someone seen as a villain but much of society with a different take on their history. 

It can be interesting to think about your definition of a hero. When describing what the term hero means to you, you may want to choose a person (or a few people) you look up to as a hero to solidify your point. You might want to include fictional characters (such as those in the Marvel universe) and real-life brave souls, such as police officers and firefighters.

A word of caution: stay away from the cliche opening of describing how the dictionary defines a hero. Instead, lead-in with a personal story about a hero who has affected your life. While talking about a public figure as a hero is acceptable, you may find it easier to write about someone close to you who you feel has displayed heroic qualities. Writing about a family member or friend who has shown up as a heroic main character in your life can be just as exciting as writing about a real or imagined superhero.

From Beowulf to Marvel comics, heroes in literature take on many different traits. When writing an essay on what trait makes a hero come alive in a short story, novel, or comic, choose a few of your favorite heroes and find common themes that they share.

Perhaps your favorite heroes are selfless and are willing to put themselves last in the name of sacrifice for others. Perhaps they’re able to dig deep into the truth, being honest even when it’s hard, for the greater good. There’s no need to list endless heroes to make your point—choosing three or four heroes from literature can be a great way to support your argument about what characteristics define heroism in literature.

When someone is named a hero in real life, we often picture them saving people from a burning building or performing a difficult surgical operation. It can be difficult to pin down exactly what constitutes a heroic act. When writing about what constitutes a heroic act, think about people who go above and beyond, performing feats of courage, honesty, and bravery to support themselves or others. When writing about what constitutes a heroic act, discuss real-life or literary examples of heroes at work.

To many people, being a hero means giving back to others. While giving something away or trading in one’s well-being for others can certainly be seen as a heroic act, many people wonder if selflessness is required for heroism or if a hero can serve the greater good in a way that also supports their happiness. When writing about whether selflessness is required for heroism, choose examples from literature and real-life to support your point.

Tip: If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead.

If you’re still stuck, check out our available resource of essay writing topics .

Amanda has an M.S.Ed degree from the University of Pennsylvania in School and Mental Health Counseling and is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer. She has experience writing magazine articles, newspaper articles, SEO-friendly web copy, and blog posts.

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Heroism Essay: Learn To Write By Example And Writing Tips

May 21, 2022 | 0 comments

May 21, 2022 | Blog | 0 comments

So, what exactly is a heroism essay?

A heroism essay is a narrative story about someone who has gone above and beyond their duty to help others. The hero, in this case, is not just any older adult but someone who has done something extraordinary for the benefit of humanity. Heroes are among us every day—they might be teachers, doctors, or anyone who helps others when needed most.

The word “hero” comes from ancient Greek mythology: heroes were men and women known for their strength and bravery in battle (and sometimes even being born half-god). These days we don’t worship Greek gods or fight wars over land–but we still admire people who do great things for their communities!

Definition of heroism essay.

A heroism essay is a type of writing that describes a heroic act by a person. It includes facts and details about the person’s life, including what they did to be considered “heroic.” This paper is interesting because it allows you to show your thoughts, feelings, emotions, and beliefs. You can also make a difference in people’s lives by writing about someone brave enough to do something good for society.

This article will teach you how to write an excellent heroism essay for your class or any other purpose that requires this kind of paper (for example persuasive essay).

Examples of Heroes

The word “hero” has many meanings. Some people would use this word to describe a movie star or celebrity; however, there are some very real heroes in the world. These individuals have gone above and beyond their job descriptions to help someone else. The same can be said for someone who doesn’t have a job at all but still saves another person’s life by doing something considered heroic by most people.

There are many heroes out there from different walks of life who have shown us courage and bravery in times when others were not willing to stand up for what was right or needed to be done. One such individual is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who fought against racism and hatred during his time as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

He worked hard towards equality among all races. He tried his best to improve himself and those around him because he felt everyone deserved equal rights regardless of race, background, etcetera. Main Info Text: “It may well be true that death will be more painful than birth while birth lasts only nine months instead of forty years.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

If you’re struggling to pick an example, here’s one approach: Think of someone who has been an important part of your life—a family member, friend, or teacher—who has done something heroic at some point in their life. Then try to figure out why this person inspires you and what makes them special to you (their strength? Their bravery? Their willingness to put others first?).

Essay Structure of Heroism Essay

Introduction: The introduction is the first paragraph of your essay. It should be short (one or two sentences) and clear. This paragraph aims to provide a context for the rest of your work, giving readers some background information about what you plan to talk about in the body paragraphs. You might also want to provide some personal reflection on heroism or even a quote or two that will shape what you say later in the essay.

Body paragraphs: Each paragraph should begin with an introductory sentence that clearly states its main point—what argument are you making? Then provide examples from literature or history, from real life (if applicable), etc., to support this point with evidence from sources outside yourself. When appropriate, include quotes as well!

Conclusion: A conclusion wraps up your thoughts by summarizing what they have been throughout the essay and provides a final statement on them—what have we learned here? What has changed?

How to Write a Heroism Essay

• Choose and Write about a hero.
• Define the concept of a hero.
• Describe your hero in the body of the essay.
• Summarize the main points you’ve made in your paper, including how you chose your topic, what definition of heroism you used, and how you described your hero as part of this definition.

Choose A Worthy Example Of A Hero

The first step in learning how to write an essay about your hero is to choose a worthy example of a hero. There are many heroes: real and fictional, historical and modern, famous and obscure. While it’s true that many people can look up to the same person as their hero (for instance, both you and your best friend may admire Bill Clinton), keep in mind that when choosing someone as your inspiration or role model, you must select someone who means something special to YOU.

Your essay will be most effective if there is a connection between yourself and the subject of your writing. Perhaps this person has been especially helpful or inspiring throughout their life; perhaps they have achieved success in their way despite obstacles they’ve faced; maybe they have some other quality that makes them stand out from others around them. Whatever qualities made this person stand out for YOU personally makes up part of why they deserve recognition as one of YOUR heroes!

Start by defining the concept.

Before you begin writing, it’s important to define the concept of heroism itself. When you read books or watch movies about heroes, do they all seem the same person? How does one distinguish between a hero and a villain in fiction?

The term “hero” is used quite often today. You can use it about someone who saves lives from danger, such as firefighters and doctors; people who inspire others by setting an example; or even someone who has overcome great difficulties. The characteristics of heroism differ from culture to culture and from person to person; however, there are some basic traits that all heroes share: courage and selflessness are two very important ones!

Tell about your hero in the body of the essay.

Tell about your hero in the body of the essay. After all, you’re writing a paper on heroism, and it makes sense to talk about who has inspired you. Give examples of who your hero is and explain why they are your hero. For example, say something like: “My mom taught me how to be kind and caring for others. She always helps people in need, no matter what day or night.”

You could also talk about how they have impacted others’ lives and yours. The best way to do this is by providing specific examples or stories that illustrate their heroic qualities—this will make it easier for readers to understand why this person was so special in your life (and hopefully inspire them).

If there’s one thing that you can say definitively about heroes, it’s that they inspire us all by helping give meaning and purpose to our own lives through acts of selflessness or bravery beyond compare; therefore, these individuals deserve recognition not only from those close friends but also from society at large through media coverage and public acknowledgment via awards ceremonies such as Oscars®, Emmys®, etcetera!

Conclude with a summary of the main points

A conclusion is essential to every essay because it’s your last chance to leave an impression on the reader. It would help if you used this section to summarize the main points of your essay and reiterate your thesis statement . A good conclusion will tie everything together by showing how everything in the body of work you’ve just presented fits into a larger whole—and why they’re relevant.

Many writing experts recommend summarizing each paragraph from your introduction to help focus attention on the major points you’ve made in your paper. You can also restate or paraphrase one or more sentences from each paragraph, depending on how many points in total there are; for example: “In summary,” “Accordingly,” or “Finally.”

Additional tips on writing a heroism essay

Writing a heroism essay is not difficult once you are the know-how. If you want to write well, then I suggest that you take a look at the following additional tips:

• Pay attention to the introduction and conclusion. These are your essay’s first and last sentences, which means they’re also the most important ones! You want them to grab your reader’s attention and make sure they know what you’re talking about right off the bat.
• Avoid clichés, but don’t be afraid to use them if it helps your argument. Some clichés can be cliché for a reason—they’re true! If you need an example of this, consider that love is always “a battlefield in pop music.” It’s not necessarily bad; it works better in certain contexts than others.
• Avoid too much detail (unless it’s necessary). Don’t get bogged down by extraneous facts or arguments—these distract from what makes heroism truly heroic: selflessness for others’ sake. Don’t use more than three examples unless necessary—and even then, ask yourself if there are other ways you could express yourself instead of citing specific instances from history or pop culture that would illustrate your point just as well (or better). For example: “There was once an extraordinary man named Bernie Sanders who fought tirelessly against wealth inequality…” vs., “There was once an extraordinary man named Bernie Sanders who made sure everyone had access to healthcare…”
• Specificity and details are important. To make your essay stand out from the crowd, you must use specifics and examples in your writing. For example, instead of saying, “The hero’s actions were brave,” try something like, “The hero jumped onto the train tracks without hesitation.” This shows more about what happened during the heroic moment than just stating it flatly.
• Make sure that every idea supports one another with evidence from different sources for your argumentation to make sense as a whole piece of work (not just an incomplete collection).
• Try avoiding passive voice sentences when possible. They tend to sound less engaging than active voice ones because they don’t tell us much about who did what when/where etcetera which can sometimes be useful information depending on context (see below).

Heroism Essay Sample

Key takeaways.

In this article, you learned some tips and tricks on how to write a good essay about heroism. A hero has done something extraordinary, and it can be someone who is famous or someone you know personally. You also need to choose an interesting topic for your essay because if you have a boring topic, there’s no point in writing the essay at all!

A good way of making your essay more interesting is by using stories, but only if they’re relevant to your topic. It’s not necessary that you have to base your essay on a personal experience; it could be based on anything else too!

Get Help from our Experts with your Heroism Essay Paper

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you define heroism essay.

heroism is the highest manifestation of devotion and courage in public duty performance. A hero is a person who, for his achievements or qualities, is seen as an ideal, an example to follow.

What is the true meaning of heroism?

Heroism consists of putting others first, even at your own peril. The noun heroism comes from the Greek hērōs, which referred to a demigod. As someone who shows great courage and valor is referred to as a hero, their actions are considered to be acts of heroism.

What is the importance of heroism?

Learning about heroes like Lewis, researchers say, can inspire kids with reverence and awe – and motivate them to be heroic themselves. Heroes exemplify cherished values, display qualities we admire, show us how to overcome challenges – and call us to stand up for others. They help build a better world for us all.

What is a hero short essay?

It is a short essay of about 1 or 2 pages or about 300 to 500 words on a hero. A hero is anyone who can show courage when faced with a problem. A hero is a person who is able to help another in various ways. A person can become a hero by saving someone who is in danger. Another example of a hero is someone who is there to help others and gives them the strength to go on through life’s difficulties.

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What Makes a Person Heroic?

Characteristics of a hero.

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Shereen Lehman, MS, is a healthcare journalist and fact checker. She has co-authored two books for the popular Dummies Series (as Shereen Jegtvig).

• Definitions
• Characteristics

What makes a person heroic? Is there a hero gene, naturally giving someone the characteristics of a hero? According to one study, the answer might rest in the type of heroism we are addressing.

In a paper published in 2010, researchers reported that people who engaged in one-time acts of bravery (like rushing into a burning building or rescuing someone from the path of an oncoming train) are not necessarily that much different from control groups of non-heroes.

By contrast, people who engage in lifelong heroism (such as professional nurses who regularly comfort the sick and dying) do share a number of important personality traits such as empathy , nurturance, and a need to live by a moral code.

Definitions of Heroism

The scientific study of heroism is a relatively recent topic of interest within the field of psychology.

Researchers have offered different definitions of exactly what makes a hero, but most suggest that heroism involves prosocial, altruistic actions that involve an element of personal risk or sacrifice. 

Researchers Franco, Blau, and Zimbardo suggest that heroism involves more than just this, however. In their definition, a heroic person is someone who:

• Acts voluntarily for the service of others who are in need, whether it is for an individual, a group, or a community
• Performs actions without any expectation of reward or external gain
• Recognizes and accepts the potential risk or sacrifice made by taking heroic actions

Researchers also do not necessarily agree about the central characteristics that make up heroism. One study published in 2015 in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggested that heroes have 12 central traits, which are:

• Determination
• Inspirational
• Moral integrity
• Self-sacrifice
• Selflessness

The psychology of heroism might not be well understood, but many experts do believe that it is possible for people to learn to be heroes . The following are just a few of the major characteristics that researchers have ascribed to heroes.

Concern for the Well-Being of Others

According to researchers, empathy, and compassion for others are key variables that contribute to heroic behavior.   People who rush in to help others in the face of danger and adversity do so because they genuinely care about the safety and well-being of other people.

One study published in 2009 found that people who have heroic tendencies also have a much higher degree of empathy.  

People who engage in acts of heroism have concern and care for the people around them and they are able to feel what those in need of help are feeling.

Understanding Other Perspectives

Researchers suggest that heroes aren't just compassionate and caring; they have a knack for being able to see things from the perspective of others.   They can "walk a mile in another man's shoes," so to speak.

When they encounter a situation where an individual is in need, they are immediately able to see themselves in that same situation and see what needs to be done to help.

Heroes Have Useful Skills and Strengths

Clearly, having the training or physical ability to deal with a crisis can also play a major role in whether or not people become heroes.

In situations where would-be rescuers lack the know-how or sheer physical strength to make a difference, people are less likely to help or are more likely to find less direct ways to take action. And in many cases, this approach is probably best; after all, people senselessly rushing into a dangerous situation can pose even more difficulties for rescue workers.

People who are trained and capable, such as those with first aid training and experience, are more ready and able to step up when their skills are needed.

Heroes Have a Strong Moral Compass

According to heroism researchers Zimbardo and Franco, heroes have two essential qualities that set them apart from non-heroes: they live by their values and they are willing to endure personal risk to protect those values.  

Their values and personal beliefs give them the courage and resolve to endure risk and even danger in order to adhere to those principles.

Heroes Are Competent and Confident

It takes both skill and self-confidence to rush into where others fear to tread. Researchers suggest that people who perform heroic acts tend to feel confident in themselves and their abilities.

When faced with a crisis , they have an intrinsic belief that they are capable of handling the challenge and achieving success no matter what the odds are. Part of this confidence might stem from above-average coping skills and abilities to manage stress.

Heroes Aren't Afraid to Face Fear

A person who rushes into a burning building to save another person is not just extraordinarily brave; he or she also possesses an ability to overcome fear. Researchers suggest that heroic individuals are positive thinkers by nature, which contributes to their ability to look past the immediate danger of a situation and see a more optimistic outcome.  

In many cases, these individuals may also have a higher tolerance for risk. Plenty of caring and kind people might shrink back in the face of danger. Those who do leap into action are typically more likely to take greater risks in multiple aspects of their lives.

Heroes keep working on their goals, even after multiple setbacks. Persistence is another quality commonly shared by heroes.

In one 2010 study, researchers found that people identified as heroes were more likely to put a positive spin on negative events.  

When faced with a potentially life-threatening illness, people with heroic tendencies might focus on the good that might come from the situation such as a renewed appreciation for life or an increased closeness with loved ones.  

"The decision to act heroically is a choice that many of us will be called upon to make at some point in time. By conceiving of heroism as a universal attribute of human nature, not as a rare feature of the few 'heroic elect,' heroism becomes something that seems in the range of possibilities for every person, perhaps inspiring more of us to answer that call," write heroism researchers, Zeno Franco, and Philip Zimbardo .  

A Word From Verywell

Researchers have found that in a lot of ways, heroes are not all that different from most people. However, there are a number of skills you can build that can boost your hero characteristics.

Building empathy, becoming competent and skilled, and being persistent in the face of obstacles are all abilities you can work on over time. By doing so, you can improve your ability to help others and come through in times of need.

Walker LJ, Frimer JA, Dunlop WL. Varieties of moral personality: beyond the banality of heroism .  J Pers . 2010;78(3):907‐942. doi:10.1111/j.1467-6494.2010.00637.x

Franco ZE, Blau K, Zimbardo PG. Heroism: A Conceptual Analysis and Differentiation between Heroic Action and Altruism .  Review of General Psychology . 2011;15(2):99-113. doi:10.1037/a0022672.

Kinsella EL, Ritchie TD, Igou ER. Zeroing in on heroes: a prototype analysis of hero features . J Pers Soc Psychol. 2015;108(1):114-27. doi:10.1037/a0038463

Staats S, Wallace H, Anderson T, Gresley J, Hupp JM, Weiss E. The hero concept: self, family, and friends who are brave, honest, and hopeful . Psychol Rep. 2009;104(3):820-32. doi:10.2466/PR0.104.3.820-832

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Essay on Heroism

Students are often asked to write an essay on Heroism in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Heroism

What is heroism.

Heroism is the act of showing courage or bravery, often in challenging or dangerous situations. It’s about doing the right thing, even if it’s hard or scary. Heroes can be everyday people who stand up for what’s right or help others in need.

Types of Heroes

Heroes come in many forms. Some are famous, like firefighters or soldiers, who risk their lives to protect others. Others are ordinary people, like a friend who stands up to a bully, or a neighbor who helps an elderly person with their groceries.

Qualities of a Hero

Heroes are brave, but they’re also kind. They think about others before themselves, and they’re willing to act even when it’s hard. They’re honest, responsible, and they never give up, no matter how tough things get.

Why Heroism Matters

Heroism is important because it inspires us to be better people. When we see someone act bravely or kindly, it makes us want to do the same. Heroes show us that we all have the power to make a difference in the world.

In conclusion, heroism is about more than just bravery. It’s about kindness, selflessness, and perseverance. We can all be heroes, in our own ways, by standing up for what’s right and helping others when they need it.

250 Words Essay on Heroism

Heroism is the act of showing great courage and strength. It is often linked with people who do brave things to help others, even if it means putting themselves in danger. A hero can be anyone, from a firefighter saving lives to a student standing up against bullying.

There are many types of heroes. Some are famous, like Superman or Wonder Woman, who use their special powers to fight evil. But, real-life heroes do not have superpowers. They are ordinary people who do extraordinary things. Doctors, soldiers, and even our parents can be heroes.

Heroes have many qualities that make them special. They are brave, selfless, and always ready to help others. They don’t think twice before jumping into action, even if it means risking their own safety. They believe in doing what’s right, no matter how hard it is.

Why are Heroes Important?

Heroes are important because they inspire us. When we see someone acting bravely, it encourages us to be brave too. They show us that even in tough times, we can make a difference. Heroes remind us that we all have the power to do good.

In conclusion, heroism is about bravery, selflessness, and doing the right thing. We can all be heroes if we choose to stand up for what’s right, help others, and face our fears. So, let us try to be a hero in our own little ways and make the world a better place.

500 Words Essay on Heroism

Heroism is when a person does something brave, often risking their own safety to help others. It is not about being strong or powerful, but about showing courage and selflessness. A hero is someone who cares more about others than themselves. They are willing to face danger to protect or help someone else.

There are many types of heroes. Some are famous, like firefighters, police officers, or soldiers. These people risk their lives every day to keep us safe. But there are also everyday heroes who may not be as well-known. These could be teachers who inspire their students, doctors who save lives, or even a friend who stands up for someone being bullied.

Heroes have special qualities that make them stand out. They are brave, and not afraid to face danger. They are selfless, thinking of others before themselves. They are also kind, showing compassion and understanding to those in need. But most importantly, heroes are determined. They do not give up, even when things are tough.

Heroes in History

History is full of heroes. People like Martin Luther King Jr., who fought for equal rights, or Malala Yousafzai, who stood up for girls’ education, are examples of heroes. They faced great danger and even risked their lives for what they believed in. Their actions have made the world a better place.

Heroes Around Us

We do not have to look far to find heroes. They are all around us. Maybe it’s a parent who works hard to provide for their family, or a friend who helps you when you’re feeling down. You might even be a hero to someone without knowing it. By showing kindness and courage, we can all be heroes in our own way.

In conclusion, heroism is about more than just being strong or brave. It’s about caring for others, standing up for what is right, and never giving up. Heroes can be anyone, from famous figures to everyday people. And the best part is, we all have the potential to be heroes. So let’s strive to be the best we can be, and maybe one day, we will be someone’s hero.

In this essay, we have learned about the meaning of heroism, the types of heroes, the qualities of a hero, heroes in history, and heroes around us. We have also learned that we all have the potential to be heroes. It is important to remember that heroism is not about being powerful, but about showing courage and selflessness. It is about caring for others and standing up for what is right. So let’s strive to be the best we can be, and maybe one day, we will be someone’s hero.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Hide And Seek Game
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• Essay on High School Life Experience

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The New York Times

The learning network | what heroic acts have you performed or witnessed.

What Heroic Acts Have You Performed or Witnessed?

Questions about issues in the news for students 13 and older.

• See all Student Opinion »

Last month, the account of three men subduing a gunman on a Paris-bound train made headlines around the world.

What do you think goes on in the mind of people who have to decide quickly whether to risk their own safety to help others? Have you ever been in that situation?

In the Opinion essay “ The Trick to Acting Heroically ,” Erez Yoeli and David Rand write:

What causes people to risk their lives to help strangers? Recently, three young American men and a British businessman thwarted a gunman’s attack on a French passenger train, acting within seconds and at enormous personal risk. When interviewed afterward, they stressed the unthinking nature of their actions. “It was just gut instinct,” said one, in a characteristic remark. “It wasn’t really a conscious decision.” This turns out to be typical of heroes. Last year, one of us, Professor Rand, together with his colleague Ziv Epstein, conducted an analysis of recipients of the Carnegie Medal for heroism, which is awarded to those who risk their lives for others. After collecting interviews given by 51 recipients and evaluating the transcripts, we found that the heroes overwhelmingly described their actions as fast and intuitive, and virtually never as carefully reasoned. This was true even in cases where the heroes had sufficient time to stop and think. Christine Marty, a college student who rescued a 69-year-old woman trapped in a car during a flash flood, said she was grateful that she didn’t take the time to reflect: “I’m thankful I was able to act and not think about it.” We found almost no examples of heroes whose first impulse was for self-preservation but who overcame that impulse with a conscious, rational decision to help. It is striking that our brute instincts, rather than our celebrated higher cognitive faculties, are what lead to such moral acts. But why would anyone ever develop such potentially fatal instincts? One possible explanation is that in most everyday situations, helping others pays off in the long run. You buy lunch for a friend or pitch in to help a colleague meet a tight deadline, and you find yourself repaid in kind, or even more, down the road. So it’s beneficial to develop a reflex to help — especially because the cost to you is usually quite small. It is also possible that there is a benefit to developing a reputation as someone who helps without thinking: You are treated as more trustworthy, precisely because you won’t deliberate your way out of helping when doing so entails considerable personal risk. For heroic instincts to arise this way, the benefits must ultimately outweigh the costs — including the risk of the very rare but very dangerous situation (e.g., subduing a gunman).

Students: Read the entire essay, then tell us …

— Have you ever experienced anything similar to what is described in the essay? If so, what?

— What is your reaction to the idea that people act heroically because “helping others pays off in the long run”?

— Does that idea support or contradict your concept or heroism?

— Do you think every person has the capacity to perform a heroic act? Why or why not?

— Describe a time you witnessed someone perform a seemingly selfless and spontaneous act to help someone else — or a time you have done so yourself.

Students 13 and older are invited to comment below. All comments are moderated by Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.

What's Next

A heroic act

• Published: December 19, 2021
• Updated: December 19, 2021
• University / College: University of Texas at Austin
• Language: English
• Downloads: 20

It began to rain as he pitched the last mound of soil onto the boy’s grave. He let the shovel slip from his hands and fall on the earth beneath his boots. Picking up the boy’s bag which he had found with a clay jar that had been smashed into pieces near the boy, he looked at the contents and stared at them for a while, remembering what had occurred which seemed only moments ago…

The boy’s name was Kaj. He was an orphan. His parents died at the hands of some forest bandits while delivering baby wolf skins to the Pronteran Marketplace. His father used to hunt for their meals, now only he was left to do the job for himself and his little sister, Chala.

A small bag hung across the skinny lad’s shoulder as he walked acrossthe forestclearing. He knelt by the river and opened his bag. A look of sadness showed on his face as he looked at what he would be bringing home for supper, a few small carrots he had found in a rabbit’s hole, some herbs he gathered from plants, and an apple.

He took out the only other item in the bag, a clay jar. He filled up the jar with water from the pool before bending down to take a drink himself. Carrying the jar in one hand while slipping the bag across the other hand’s shoulder, Kaj stood up and proceeded on his way. Preoccupied with his burden both on his hands and in his heart, the boy failed to notice a thin, dry piece of wood that was lying on his path.

The sound of the branch breaking beneath his bare foot was more audible than what would have been normal. It was a terrifying shout that commanded ancient powers into reality. As the old forest saying went, “ It is bad luck to step on dead branches”.

“ The boy is not a match for you, as you are not one for me.” The knight’s voice was calm and stern, “ Come on, I’ve been itching for a fight.”

A burst of steam came out of each of the horned figure’s huge, ringed nostrils. With eyes of livid anger it raised its sight above the figure of the frightened child and looked straight in the eyes of the armored warrior on top of a heavily feathered PecoPeco.

“ You will die today, insolent meatling!” It growled ferociously, slapping the form of Kaj away with the back of its massive left hand to make room as he slowly walked towards Blueberry.

As the distance between them shortened, the minorous charged at the knight. Blueberry stood defiant as the huge creature lunged at him with its great hammer. In a rush of anger and fury, the hammer smashed against the side of the knight, drawing a brief smile from the creature’s face which almost instantly changed to a look of fear and disbelief as it saw Blueberry’s great steel shield holding the blow of it’s hammer without so much as a dent.

The sudden shock of the minorous prevented it from seeing its opponents other hand pierce a frost-tipped spear through the armor of its hide and passed its brutish heart. The knight’s weapon continued its assault, pushing through every sinew until its tip emerged from the creature’s back, burying the entire arm of its wielder with its shaft deep in minorous flesh.

With the minorous hanging lifeless at the length of his ice pike, Blueberry withdrew his weapon from the creature, letting the brute fall heavily on the bloodstained grass. Pandora sat down at her master’s whim, as the knight’s free hand reached for the ring between the dead creature’s nostrils and pulled it out.

Blueberry looked at the dull silvered piece of jewelry for an instant before throwing it at the direction of the still prostrate form of the boy.

“ You can stand up now. You might want to sell that thing in Prontera.” he called out.

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The Psychology of Heroism

Zimbardo explores whether everyday people can be trained to be saviors..

Reading time min

Photo: Ferne Millen Photography

By Diana Aguilera

“W hat makes us good? What makes us evil?” As Stanford psychology professor emeritus Philip Zimbardo reflects on these questions, he observes that they aren’t as different as they might seem. “They’re actually two sides of the same coin.”

Nearly half a century after the 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment revealed how people placed in authoritarian roles can act atrociously, Zimbardo has turned his attention to a more heartening aspect of social psychology: heroism. “We know it’s easy to seduce ordinary good people to do bad things,” Zimbardo says. “Is it possible for ordinary people to be inspired and trained to be everyday heroes?”

The inquiry has opened up a new field of research and led him to found a nonprofit, the Heroic Imagination Project, which trains people to cultivate the mindset needed to step up and act on behalf of others despite the risks. In an age of civic discord, the work couldn’t be timelier, says Scott Allison, a psychology professor at the University of Richmond and a board member of the Heroic Imagination Project . “The goal of heroism is to promote socially responsible behavior and actions that serve the greater good.”

An Emerging Science

Zimbardo began delving into the psychology of heroism with Medical College of Wisconsin professor Zeno Franco in a 2006 article for UC-Berkeley’s Greater Good Magazine . Zimbardo and Franco asked readers to consider the banality of evil—the idea that “under certain conditions and social pressures, ordinary people can commit acts that would otherwise be unthinkable”—and then to contemplate the opposite: “Is it also possible that heroic acts are something that anyone can perform, given the right mindset and conditions?” Their case in point: After planes struck the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, four seemingly ordinary men chose not to evacuate but to search the upper floors of the North Tower and, using only crowbars and flashlights, helped 70 people to safety. The men perished when the tower collapsed.

In his 2008 TED Talk , “The Psychology of Evil,” Zimbardo defines heroism as taking a personal risk for the common good while others remain passive. The risks might be substantial: losing money, social status or credibility, or endangering oneself or one’s family members. He suggests there’s power in picturing oneself as a “hero in waiting,” an idea he calls “heroic imagination.” And he discusses the potential value of mentally preparing children to intervene in challenging situations—to stand up to a bully, help a stranger or speak up on behalf of another.

The number of researchers focused on heroism has since “expanded exponentially,” says Franco, who studies the social psychology of heroic action. Still, research in the fledgling field is limited, and social science can’t yet explain why some people act heroically while others stand by. It’s also not yet clear whether heroism training is effective.

One early study of heroism suggests heroes and nonheroes may have essential differences. A 2013 paper published in the Journal of Research in Personality found heroism to be dependent on individual disposition. Psychologists at the University of British Columbia and UC-Riverside compared 25 Canadians who received awards for life-risking bravery with a control group and found that the heroes possessed an expanded worldview, greater positivity and a higher sense of efficacy.

‘It’s taking a little action day by day that makes the world better.’

Meanwhile, initial research on heroism training indicates the field has potential. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Humanistic Psychology surveyed 62 fourth- and fifth-grade students in Michigan who had participated in heroism training created by the Hero Construction Company, a nonprofit that teaches character-building skills to children. The study showed that children’s courage levels increased after the training, suggesting that the trait imperative to heroism can be cultivated.

“As a researcher, I’m forced to say we have some good indicators [for heroism training], but a lot more work needs to be done in this space,” Franco says.

There’s also the question of how to measure heroism experimentally. Heroism is not how people say they will behave in a situation, Allison says. It’s a behavior out in the real world.

“It’s all over the map, and that’s one of heroism’s strengths and one of the science’s weaknesses,” Allison says. “It doesn’t have a disciplinary home, and yet it’s [been] coagulating into some coherent science in the past decade.”

From Research to the Real World 

After Zimbardo’s TED Talk, eBay founder Pierre Omidyar stood up from the crowd and encouraged Zimbardo to explore his notion of heroism training. Later, Omidyar provided initial funding for the Heroic Imagination Project, which Zimbardo conceived as a way to bring the insights of social psychology on heroism to a wider audience. The San Francisco–based organization develops training programs and conducts research.

Its workshops include a segment on developing a growth mindset, a concept coined by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck that refers to the belief that one’s skills and qualities are not inherent but instead can be cultivated through effort and perseverance. Other segments help students overcome the pressure to conform to group norms, learn to identify and counteract bias and discrimination, and develop the resilience needed to combat the bystander effect—the impulse to stand by in emergencies when others are present who might intervene.

The workshops cater to high school and college students, as well as to workplaces. So far, Zimbardo and the project’s trainers have traveled to 12 countries, including Hungary, Poland and England.

“It’s taking a little action day by day that makes the world better,” Zimbardo says, “starting with your family, your school, your community and, ultimately, your nation.”

Diana Aguilera is a staff writer at S tanford .

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A Heroic Act

Dear Editor,

        I would like to share an incident that should not be ignored by the general public. It touched my heart in a way that gives me hope and faith in the young people around us.

        I was waiting at a local bus stop with my family. A hundred metres away, we spotted the public bus. However, there was something unusual about it. The bus was shaking as if it was in a deep mud pool and that is when I noticed that murky black smoke was coming out of the bus’s windows. At that moment, bystanders and witnesses were pushing behind me; trying to see what was happening. Some were still while others were panicking.

        I wondered why the bus did not screech to a halt under all the circumstances. It was moving at a slow velocity and out of nowhere, the bus swerved towards a lamppost, coming to a standstill and in the process, knocking the post over the sidewalk.

        Instantaneously, a male teenager ran through the crowd and pulled the driver’s door wide open and hauled the unconscious man away from the flames. Fortunately, there were no

passengers that boarded the public bus.

This is a preview of the whole essay

Groups of people encircled the man whilst the teenager performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and within minutes, the driver gradually woke up. People gave him a round of applause for such bravery. The teenage boy didn’t have a reason for his heroic act. He thought it was the right thing to do as a citizen. He had a notion that if no one else is going to do it then he will.

        I was astonished and impressed that that teenage boy had the courage to go out there and make a change. It is rare to see young people helping others especially in mishaps. Most people would be terrified to do something unless they have a professional background in paramedical situations. All it took was an act of valour to save a person’s life. I hope this serves as an inspiration to teenagers and adults alike.

                                                                                                         An optimistic citizen

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Idaho woman, 85, fatally shot home intruder in 'heroic' act of self-defense

An 85-year-old Idaho woman shot and killed an intruder in her home in what a county prosecutor called "one of the most heroic acts of self-preservation I have ever heard of."

Bingham County Prosecutor Ryan Jolley said in a case review that the woman, identified Wednesday as Christine Jenneiahn, acted in self-defense and ruled it was a case of justifiable homicide.

"That Christine survived this encounter is truly incredible," Jolley wrote. "Her grit, determination, and will to live appear to be what saved her that night."

According to the review, posted on Facebook by the Bingham County Sheriff's Office, an intruder, identified as Derek Condon, broke into Jenneiahn's home at around 2 a.m. on March 13. Jenneiahn told prosecutors she was asleep in her Bingham County home when she was awakened by an intruder who was wearing a military jacket and black ski mask and was pointing a gun and a flashlight at her.

She said her disabled son was also home.

The review says Condon most likely hit Jenneiahn in her head while she was in bed, because Jenneiahn said she'd been hit and because investigators found blood on her pillow and on her bedroom floor.

Condon then handcuffed Jenneiahn and took her to the living room at gunpoint, according to the review. There, he handcuffed her to a wooden chair and asked about her valuables. When she said she didn't have much, he put his gun to her head, the review said.

According to the review, Jenneiahn told Condon she had two safes downstairs. He left her handcuffed in the living room as he looked through several rooms of her home in search of her valuables, prosecutors said.

"At some point," the review says, "he discovered that Christine's son was also in the home and became angry at Christine for not telling him."

Condon started to make numerous threats that he wanted to kill Jenneiahn, according to the review.

While Condon was searching downstairs, she dragged the wooden chair to which she was handcuffed into her bedroom and grabbed her .357 Magnum revolver from under her pillow, the review says. Back in the living room, Jenneiahn hid the gun between the armrest and a cushion as she "waited to see what Condon did next."

"Christine's memory of exactly what occurred next remains somewhat unclear," according to the review.

Jenneiahn told prosecutors that at some point, when Condon returned to the living room after having rummaged through her home, he again threatened to kill her.

"She ultimately made the decision that it was 'now or never' and drew her concealed 357 magnum and engaged Condon striking him with both her shots," the review says.

Condon returned fire, striking Jenneiahn multiple times in her abdomen, a leg, an arm and her chest with a 9 mm pistol, according to the review. Condon went to the kitchen, where he died from the gunshot wounds.

Jenneiahn, still handcuffed, fell over and remained on the floor for about 10 hours until her son came upstairs in the late morning and gave her a phone to call 911. Deputies responded at about 12:17 p.m., the review says.

EastIdahoNews.com reported that Jenneiahn was taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. She has been released and is recovering, it reported.

Subsequent investigation turned up a broken window in the back of the residence and a screwdriver near where Condon broke in, according to the review. On his body, Condon had a lock pick set, his car key, a handcuff key and a bag filled with items stolen from the home.

Condon's car was also found near the home, according to the review, and a set of footprints leading from the vehicle in the direction of the home was discovered.

Based on Idaho's self-defense law, which states, "No person in this state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting himself," Jolley ruled the killing justifiable.

"This case presents an easy analysis of self-defense and justifiable homicide," Jolley wrote. "It also presents one of the most heroic acts of self-preservation I have ever heard of."

He added: "Absent a clear attempt by Condon to retreat from the residence or surrender, which based on the evidence clearly did not occur, Christine was justified in taking any and all means necessary to defend herself and her son that night."

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.

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I Hope to Repeal an Arcane Law That Could Be Misused to Ban Abortion Nationwide

By Tina Smith

Ms. Smith is a Democratic senator from Minnesota and a former Planned Parenthood executive.

A long discredited, arcane 150-year-old law is back in the news in 2024, and that should terrify anyone who supports reproductive freedom. Last week at the Supreme Court, the Comstock Act of 1873 was referenced on three separate occasions during oral arguments in a case dealing with access to mifepristone, one of two drugs typically used in medication abortions.

Anti-abortion activists like to bring up the Comstock Act because one of its clauses prohibits sending through the mail “every article, instrument, substance, drug, medicine or thing” that could possibly lead to an abortion. Even if the Supreme Court doesn’t take the bait, a newly re-elected President Trump could order his Department of Justice to start interpreting that line to mean that it is illegal to mail mifepristone — a safe, effective, Food and Drug Administration-approved drug — to doctors and pharmacies, as well as to patients directly. The same could go for medical supplies that are used in performing surgical abortions. That could effectively make abortion impossible to access even in places like Minnesota, which has affirmatively protected a woman’s right to choose by passing reproductive freedom laws.

In response, I’m prepared to fight back — including by introducing legislation to take away the Comstock Act as a tool to limit reproductive freedom.

Let me take a step back and explain how ridiculous it is that we’re even talking about this legislative relic today. The Comstock Act hasn’t been broadly enforced since the 1930s. The Biden administration considers it utterly irrelevant. Many legal experts consider it dead letter law. And once you know its back story, it becomes clear why no one has paid much attention to it in nearly a century.

Back in the 1860s, a former Civil War soldier from rural Connecticut named Anthony Comstock moved to New York City for work. He was shocked and appalled by what he found. Advertisements for contraception! Open discussions of sexual health! It all struck Comstock as terribly lewd and anti-Christian.

So he made it his mission to clean up society, creating the loftily named New York Society for the Suppression of Vice and gathering evidence for police raids on places that distributed material he thought was obscene or promoted indecent living. In the early 1870s he took his crusade to Washington, lobbying for federal legislation that would empower the post office to search for and seize anything in the mail that met Comstock’s criteria for being “obscene,” “lewd” or just plain “filthy.” Morality, as determined by Comstock, would be the law of the land, and Comstock himself would be its enforcer, appointed by Congress as a special agent of the post office.

In a fit of Victorian puritanism, Congress passed the Comstock Act into law. But it quickly became apparent that Comstock’s criteria were unworkably vague. In its broad wording, the law not only made it illegal to send pornography through the mail, it also outlawed the sending of medical textbooks for their depictions of the human body, personal love letters that hinted at physical as well as romantic relationships, and even news stories.

The whole thing was very silly and impracticable, and that’s why the Comstock Act was relegated to the dustbin of history.

But conservative activists recently revived it from obscurity as part of their playbook for a potential second Trump term: The 887-page plan nicknamed Project 2025 being promoted by groups like the Heritage Foundation explicitly calls for a newly elected second-term President Trump to use this zombie law to severely ratchet back abortion access in America without congressional action.

Legislation to repeal Comstock could take many forms, and we need to do it the right way. That’s why I’ve begun reaching out to my colleagues in the House of Representatives and the Senate to build support and see what legislation to repeal the Comstock Act might look like. Anti-abortion extremists will continue to exploit any avenue they can find to get the national ban they champion, and I want to make sure my bill shuts down every one of those avenues. Once the Supreme Court has had its say (and many legal analysts speculate that the mifepristone case heard last week should be thrown out on procedural grounds, and may well be), I’ll be ready to have mine.

Here’s the bottom line: We can’t let anyone — not the Supreme Court, not Donald Trump and certainly not a random busybody from the 19th century — take away Americans’ right to access medication abortion. We must protect the ability of doctors, pharmacies and patients to receive in the mail the supplies they need to exercise their right to reproductive care.

As the only former Planned Parenthood executive serving in the Senate, I feel I have a special responsibility to protect not just abortion rights but also abortion access.

Very few Republicans will admit to wanting to see a total, no-exceptions ban on abortion in all 50 states, but the Comstock Act could allow them to achieve that in effect, if not in so many words.

Americans deserve better. The Constitution demands better. And common sense dictates that we stop this outrageous backdoor ploy to eliminate abortion access in its tracks.

Tina Smith is a Democratic senator from Minnesota and a former Planned Parenthood executive.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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85-Year-Old Idaho Woman Shoots Home Intruder Dead amid ‘Heroic Acts of Self-Preservation’

Christine Jenneiahn was asleep when a man broke into her home in the early hours of March 13 and placed her in handcuffs, according to authorities

KIFI Local News 8/Youtube

An 85-year-old woman from Idaho is being praised as a hero for fighting off a home intruder who broke into her Bingham County home in March.

Christine Jenneiahn was sleeping in her bedroom when a man — identified by authorities as Derek Condon — broke into her property on March 13 at around 2 a.m. local time. 

Her son David Jenneiahn, who is disabled, was also at home at the time.

According to an incident review by Bingham County Prosecutor Ryan Jolley on Monday, April 9, Jenneiahn was woken up by Condon, who was "dressed in a military jacket, black ski mask, and pointing a gun and flashlight at her."

"Condon then placed Christine in handcuffs and took her into the living room of her house," added the incident review. "Subsequent investigation indicates a strong likelihood that Condon struck Christine in the head as she lay in her bed, as there was blood on the pillow and floor in her room where she had been sleeping."

"She also reported he had hit her in the head at some point during the incident but was unsure of exactly when that took place," continued the review. "After taking Christine at gunpoint into the living room, Condon handcuffed her to a wooden chair. Condon then asked her where the valuables were kept in the home, and placed his pistol against her head after she told him she didn't have much. After telling Condon that there were two safes downstairs in the home he left her handcuffed in the living room."

The review then states that Condon went downstairs and searched multiple rooms in Jenneiahn's home. Through this, he discovered Jenneiahn's son and "became angry" that she had not told him of his presence and threatened "he would kill her."

Unknown to Condon, however, Jenneiahn had "retrieved her 357 magnum revolver from under her pillow" while he was downstairs in the property.

"She then went back into the living room and hid the revolver between the arm rest and cushion of a couch next to where she was seated and waited to see what Condon did next," the review added.

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After he continued to rummage through her house, "she ultimately made the decision that it was 'now or never' and drew her concealed 357 magnum and engaged Condon striking him with both her shots," the review stated.

"Condon returned fire and emptied a 9mm pistol into Christine striking her multiple times in her abdomen, leg, arm, and chest," it continued. "Condon then went into the adjoining kitchen where he died from his wounds. Christine fell to the floor still handcuffed in the living room where she remained for approximately 10 hours. She was ultimately able to call 911 after her son came upstairs later in the morning and gave her a phone so she could call 911. Deputies responded immediately at approximately 12:17 and provided lifesaving measures to her."

Police later discovered a screwdriver next to the door where Condon entered the home along with footprints leading from the direction of his nearby car. Condon was found to be carrying a lock pick set and a bag of stolen items from the residence.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. 

Prosecutor Jolley went on to call Jenneiahn's actions "one of the most heroic acts of self-preservation I have heard of," adding, "Her grit, determination, and will to live appear to be what saved her that night."

Jenneiahn's case was ruled as "justifiable homicide," the Bingham Country Sheriff's Office said in a statement on Facebook .

"Now that we are able to release the details, we wish to make it clear that our intention is not to defame the name of the suspect involved or make a tragedy for his family worse," added the sheriff's office. "We are simply releasing the facts of the case, and explaining that there was a victim involved that displayed heroism, fortitude, and a will to live that we’d be remiss not to share. We feel fortunate to know Christine and wish to thank her for her example at this time. We wish her well in her recovery and look forward to finding a way to honor her at a later date."

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Woman, 85, shoots dead masked intruder while handcuffed to a chair in 'heroic act of self-preservation'

Christine Jenneiahn, who was at home with her disabled son at the time, was able to drag herself to a bedroom and retrieve her pistol after Derek Condon threatened to kill her.

News reporter @TomGillespie1

Thursday 11 April 2024 13:27, UK

An 85-year-old woman shot and killed a masked intruder who broke into her home and handcuffed her to a wooden chair - with a prosecutor calling it "one of the most heroic acts of self-preservation I have ever heard of".

Christine Jenneiahn shot Derek Condon twice after dragging herself to the bedroom of her home in Bingham County, Idaho, to retrieve her firearm while still secured to the chair.

Ms Jenneiahn told prosecutors she was asleep when Condon entered the property and pointed a gun and flashlight at her at around 2am local time (9am UK time) on 13 March.

She said her disabled son was at home at the time.

Condon most likely struck Ms Jenneiahn over the head while she was in bed because she said she had been hit and investigators found blood on her pillow and bedroom floor, according to a case review shared by Bingham County Sheriff's Office on 9 April.

The intruder, who was wearing a black ski mask and military jacket, then handcuffed her to a wooden chair and asked where she kept her valuables.

Condon pointed a gun at her head when she told him she didn't have much to give him, the review continues.

Death threats

Ms Jenneiahn told Condon she had two safes downstairs before he left her handcuffed to the chair while he searched several rooms for valuables.

"At some point," the review says, "he discovered that Christine's son was also in the home and became angry at Christine for not telling him".

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Condon is then said to have made numerous threats to kill Ms Jenneiahn.

However, while he was searching the downstairs of the property, the elderly woman was able to drag herself to her bedroom while still handcuffed to the chair.

She retrieved her .357 Magnum from under her pillow before heading back to the living room and hiding it between the armrest and a cushion.

'Now or never'

Ms Jenneiahn then "waited to see what Condon did next".

She told prosecutors that when the intruder returned to the living room after having rummaged through her home, he again threatened to kill her.

"She ultimately made the decision that it was 'now or never' and drew her concealed 357 Magnum and engaged Condon striking him with both her shots," the review says.

Condon returned fire, striking Ms Jenneiahn multiple times in her abdomen, a leg, an arm and her chest with a 9mm pistol, according to the review.

He then went to the kitchen where he died from his gunshot wounds.

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Ms Jenneiahn, still handcuffed, fell over and remained on the floor for about 10 hours until her son came upstairs in the late morning and gave her a phone to call 911.

Justifiable homicide

Police officers arrived at the property at around 12.17pm local time (7:17pm UK time), the review says.

Ms Jenneiahn was taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls and has since been released, EastIdahoNews.com reports.

Bingham County Prosecutor Ryan Jolley said in the case review that Ms Jenneiahn acted in self-defence and ruled it was a case of justifiable homicide.

"That Christine survived this encounter is truly incredible," Mr Jolley wrote. "Her grit, determination, and will to live appear to be what saved her that night."

Mr Jolley continued: "This case presents an easy analysis of self-defence and justifiable homicide.

"It also presents one of the most heroic acts of self-preservation I have ever heard of."

He added: "Absent a clear attempt by Condon to retreat from the residence or surrender, which based on the evidence clearly did not occur, Christine was justified in taking any and all means necessary to defend herself and her son that night."

Woman, 85, shoots and kills home intruder in ‘heroic’ act of self-defense

BINGHAM COUNTY, Idaho (Gray News/ KPTV ) - A woman is being praised for her actions as she fought off an armed man during a home invasion last month.

Idaho authorities say Christine Jenneiahn, 85, used a handgun she had hidden underneath her pillow to shoot and kill an intruder who had allegedly bound her to a chair and threatened her life.

Jenneiahn reportedly turned the tables on the man and shot him twice with her .357 magnum.

The alleged home intruder, who died in the woman’s kitchen, was later identified as 39-year-old Derek Condon.

She told detectives that she felt he was going to kill her if she didn’t use lethal force. So, she made the decision to protect herself and her disabled son.

“This case presents an easy analysis of self-defense and justifiable homicide,” Bingham County, Idaho, Prosecuting Attorney Ryan Jolley said. “It also presents one of the most heroic acts of self-preservation I have heard of.”

Authorities said the home invasion was reported on March 13.

According to Jenneiahn, she was awakened at about 2 a.m. by a figure standing over her bed, aiming a gun and a flashlight at her while donning a black ski mask and military jacket.

Investigators believe Condon broke through a window to enter the house and struck Jenneiahn in the head with a pistol while she was in bed.

Jenneiahn told detectives that he led her into her living room, handcuffed her to a wooden chair, and asked her where the valuables were kept in her home while placing a pistol against her head.

Police said the 85-year-old told them that she dragged the chair she was shackled in back to her bedroom to get the gun from under her pillow when the attacker went downstairs.

According to investigators, Condon became enraged with Jenneiahn for not informing him that her son was inside the house and once more threatened to kill her. At that moment, she reached for her gun and opened fire.

Condon reportedly returned fire with Jenneiahn sustaining gunshot wounds to her belly, leg, arm and chest.

Officers said Jenneiahn remained chained to the chair and bleeding on the floor of her living room for 10 hours until her son came upstairs and they called 911.

Idaho authorities said Jenneiahn had a right to protect herself, citing that state’s stand-your-ground law.

“Any reasonable person would believe it necessary to defend themselves or their disabled child under such circumstances,” Jolley said. “That Christine survived this encounter is truly incredible. Her grit, determination, and will to live appear to be what saved her that night.”

The prosecuting attorney said if Condon had survived, he would have been charged with felony attempted murder, kidnapping, burglary, aggravated battery and grand theft.

Copyright 2024 KPTV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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85-year-old Idaho woman who killed intruder committed 'heroic act of self-preservation'

T he 85-year-old mother of a disabled son committed a "justifiable homicide" in Idaho when she shot an armed burglar who snuck into her home and threatened to "kill her multiple times," a county prosecutor said.

Christine Jenneiahn presented "one of the most heroic acts of self-preservation" that Bingham County prosecutor Ryan Jolley has ever heard of when she shot and killed 39-year-old Derek Condon, according to an incident review written Tuesday.

The confrontation occurred around 2 a.m. on March 13, when Condon woke Jenneiahn from her sleep at her home in Blackfoot in southeastern Idaho, Jolley's review said. Condon, who was wearing a military jacket and black ski mask, pointed a gun and flashlight at Jenneiahn, he wrote.

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A subsequent investigation into the case indicated a "strong likelihood" that Condon hit Jenneiahn in the head while she was lying in her bed due to blood being on her pillow and bedroom floor, the prosecutor's review said. After that, Condon handcuffed Jennejahn and took her to the living room, the legal document shows.

Numerous threats were made to Christine Jenneiahn's life, prosecutor says

Once in the living room, Condon handcuffed Jenneiahn to a wooden chair and demanded she tell him where the valuables were kept in her home, according to Jolley's review. When Jenneiahn told Condon that she "didn't have much," the burglar placed the gun against her head, the document continued.

Jenneiahn eventually told Condon about two safes downstairs, which led to him leaving her handcuffed in the living room while he went to check several rooms multiple times, according to the review.

While checking downstairs, Condon realized that Jenneiahn's disabled son was also in the home, Jolley's review says. This led to Condon becoming angry with Jenneiahn because she did not tell him anyone else was in the house, according to the document.

"(Condon) also made numerous threats to Christine telling her that he would kill her," Jolley said in the incident review.

Christine Jenneiahn shot burglar while handcuffed, prosecutor says

At some point when Condon was downstairs, Jenneiahn dragged the chair she was handcuffed to into her bedroom and got her .357 Magnum from under her pillow, according to the incident review. The mother then returned to the living room and hid the gun between the armrest and cushion of a couch next to where she was seated and waited to see what Condon did, the legal document continued.

Jenneiahn told prosecutors her recollection of what happened next is "somewhat unclear," Jolley said in the review. She did recall Condon coming back to the living room and threatening to kill her as he continued to burglarize her home, according to the county prosecutor.

During the chaos, Jenneiahn ultimately decided that it was "now or never" so she pulled out her revolver and shot Condon twice, the review says. Condon would return fire, shooting Jenneiahn multiple times in her abdomen, leg, arm and chest, the document continued.

Derek Condon died from injuries, police found burglary tools on him, prosecutor says

After returning fire, Condon went into the kitchen and died from his wounds, Jolley said in the review. A still-handcuffed Jenneiahn fell to the floor and remained there for 10 hours, according to the prosecutor.

The mother called 911 after her son came upstairs in the morning and handed her the phone, the review says. Deputies got to the home and worked to save Jenneiahn's life, according to the legal document.

A lock pick set, car keys, a handcuff key and items in a bag from Jenneiahn's home were found with Condon, Jolley said in the review.

'Truly incredible,' prosecutor says about Christine Jenneiahn surviving the incident

Condon's murder is a "justifiable homicide" under Idaho law, Jolley's office said.

"The law in Idaho regarding self-defense is clear under Idaho Code section 19-202A. 'No person in this state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting himself,'" according to Idaho law. "A person may stand his ground and defend himself or another person by the use of all force and means."

Jolley said in the review that "any reasonable person would believe it necessary to defend themselves or their disabled child under the circumstances."

"That Christine survived this encounter is truly incredible," Jolley said. "Her grit, determination, and will to live appear to be what saved her that night ... Christine was justified in taking any and all means necessary to defend herself and her son that night. "

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 85-year-old Idaho woman who killed intruder committed 'heroic act of self-preservation'

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Live updates, ‘heroic’ mom, 85, kills masked intruder in gunfight protecting disabled son while handcuffed to chair and shot 4 times.

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An 85-year-old Idaho mother fatally shot a masked intruder who held her hostage at gunpoint while her disabled son slept down the hall during a horrifying home invasion.

Christine Jenneiahn’s “grit, determination, and will to live” is “what saved her that night,” Bingham County Prosecutor Ryan Jolley said after announcing Wednesday that Jenneiahn justifiably killed Derek Condon, 39, on March 13.

“This case presents an easy analysis of self-defense and justifiable homicide,” Jolley wrote in the case review  shared  by the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office. “It also presents one of the most heroic acts of self-preservation I have ever heard of.”

Jenneiahn had been asleep in her Bingham County home when she awoke around 2 a.m. to find Condon — dressed in a military jacket and black ski mask — pointing a 9mm pistol at her while shining a flashlight in her face, according to the review.

She told investigators that Condon hit her while she lay in bed, causing her to bleed all over her pillow and bedroom floor.

Condon then slapped handcuffs on the elderly woman and took her into the living room at gunpoint, demanding that she cough up any valuables she had in the house.

Jenneiahn’s disabled son, David, was asleep during the assault but she chose not to reveal that her son was also in the home.

In the living room, Condon handcuffed her to a wooden chair, where Jenneiahn told him she did not own many valuables, according to the report.

Condon put his gun to her head before she disclosed that there were two safes downstairs in the home, according to the review.

The home invader left her handcuffed in the living room while he rummaged through several rooms in the house in search of anything valuable the elderly woman had.

Condon later discovered David Jenneiahn during the search and threatened multiple times to kill her over the lie.

As Condon continued his search, Jenneiahn, still handcuffed, dragged the chair to retrieve her .357 Magnum revolver from under her pillow, hiding the gun between the armrest and a cushion, then “waited to see what Condon did next,” the report explained.

Prosecutors said Jenneiahn “ultimately made the decision that it was ‘now or never’ and drew her concealed .357 magnum and engaged Condon striking him with both her shots” after he threatened her once again.

The violent home intruder then opened fire on her with his pistol, striking the elderly woman in the abdomen, leg, arm and chest.

Condon, severely wounded, retreated into the kitchen and died from being shot.

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Jenneiahn, riddled with bullet holes and still cuffed to the chair, “fell to the floor” where she remained for approximately 10 hours.

Police finally reached the injured 85-year-old at about 12:17 p.m. and “provided life-saving measures on her,” according to the review.

She was rushed to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls and has since been released,  EastIdahoNews.com  reported.

“That Christine survived this encounter is truly incredible,” Jolley wrote.

Investigators found a broken window in the back of Jenneiahn’s home and a screwdriver next to the door where Condon is believed to have made entry.

The review also shared that Condon had a lock pick on his person.

The Idaho prosecutor wrote that “no person in this state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting himself,” after making his ruling that Jenneiahn was in the right to use “deadly force.”

“Absent a clear attempt by Condon to retreat from the residence or surrender, which based on the evidence clearly did not occur,” Jolley wrote.

“She is 85 years old. Any reasonable person would believe it necessary to defend themselves or their disabled child under such circumstances.”

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