I'm with Les on this, not enough info. In the UK, the student would probably face charges with prison time. Studies have shown that UK victims have fewer options (rights?) when dealing with criminals. In the States, it depends on the state. There are several states where the law is "defend yourself first, worry about the bad guy later". For most states though, the law is "defend yourself ONLY if he is an immediate threat to you or others and you have no way to escape". In Florida we have the "Castle Doctrine" where we don't have to attempt to escape (turn our back)from the criminal. The law is different in MD so I have a feeling that the sword wielding student is in for a rough time from the legal system.