We need references and documentation to definitively answer the following:  

'What level of energy (in joules) is required in a capacitor
discharge across a 3/8" to 1/2" path (lead separation), when applied
to the torso of a person, to stun or incapacitate them'?

The documentation or references must be from a credible institution or
research publication.   For the purposes of this question, "stun or
incapacitate" may be defined to include rendered unable to act,
falling down, unconsciousness, or being thrown in excess of  1.5
meters.  Voltage and capacitance sufficient to replicate should be in
the cited documents.  This is a direct current effect (not pulse train
or AC.)

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 02 May 2005 12:58 PDT

Would detailed information on the energy specifications of commercial
"stun guns" meet your needs, or are you looking for some other sort of
data?


Let me know,

pafalafa-ga

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Clarification of Question by jumpinjimmy-ga on 02 May 2005 19:32 PDT

Hello Pafalafa. Thanks for the response. The key issue here is the
lead separation. Stun guns used leads separated by significantly more
than 3/8" to 1/2".

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Clarification of Question by jumpinjimmy-ga on 02 May 2005 20:52 PDT

Also, stun guns use a pulse train...I'm looking for direct current effects.

I would advise caution:
 DC current acts differently then high frequency current. Total
charge or energy is not sufficient to describe an effect on human body-
it isquite  a bit more complex then that.
 

Do not overlook Important Disclaimer: Google Answers and comments .. 
are not intended to substitute for informed ..legal.. medical or other
professional advice.

Hedgie

You can't incapacitate someone with DC current in the same way a stun
gun does. It is the low current, high voltage pulse train that causes
the effects.

A DC energy level of 20-50 J is used in medicine to cardiovert someone
in say AF back into sinus rhythm ie > 20 J is known and proven to have
direct cardiac effects.

Do you still want an answer to this question? I see it doesn't expire
for a few more days.