[Lou Minotti]

Quote by: Waychel I could be wrong on this and feel free to correct me if that is indeed the case, but it is my understanding from Katko v. Briney that spring traps and booby traps of a comparable nature are illegal; regardless of the intention of the person who sets them. EDIT: Er, to re-phrase, I mean when in purposeful application within or around the home.

http://www.4lawschool.com/torts/katko.htm

The only time the setting of a spring gun or like dangerous devise is allowed is when the trespasser was committing a violent felony or a felony punishable by death, or when the trespasser was endangering human life.