Over here in the UK if an armed response police officer draws his gun and fires a shot wounding the intended target, he is arrested like a criminal following the shooting and a full investigation is set up as to why he fired with intent!, crazy I know after all he/she is only trying to protect the public!
Similar circumstances can happen here, as well. Basically, when you
point a weapon at someone, let alone fire it, you're committing a felony. When it's justified, you're okay. Thing is, justification requires investigation. I'm of the mindset of the old adage, "I'd rather be tried by twelve, than carried by six." If I had to use it, I'm not going to hesitate, but I also get trained every year, and know when I can justifiably use the weapon.
Also, as to your original question regarding using it in a burglary, it's not that simple. You can't shoot someone, or even detain someone, for trespassing (Forcing someone to stay where you already don't want them. How dumb would that be?). In many states, you can shoot someone who
attempts to break into your home (For example, trying to kick your door in.), and that's enough justification. HOWEVER,
if they successfully break in, the circumstances are different. At that point, you can only shoot them under justified self-defense. Also, some states still mandate that a victim has an obligation to flee, even if they're in their own home. Here, in Ohio, we have the "castle" law, which basically says you DON'T have to flee, if you're being attacked in your own home, and it's a lot easier to justify self-defense.
