This is written to express my complete disagreement with your Dec. 18 editorial. “Justice lynched” criticized the jury decision acquitting the young man in Portland who defended himself from bodily harm when a three-member gang (known troublemakers) appeared, uninvited, at his home in the early morning for other than a peace-loving mission.

Thank God law-abiding citizens in this country still have a constitutional right to defend themselves and their property from intruders. On the facts presented in this case, I compliment the defense attorney, the judge, and, in particular, the jury’s decision upholding Maine’s self-defense law including the use of deadly force. Lloyd M. Painter Owls Head