Scared and don't know what to do-legal question?

can you have someone arrested just for threats of violence? I really don't know much about the law. My sister's boyfriend of several years is a self-centred jerk who doesn't contribute at all to the house (I'm more family than he is, yet I pay room and board and he doesn't?). He doesn't do chores around the house or pay for groceries: he does nothing to contribute around here. He doesn't even contribute to the raising of the kids he had with my sister: he doesn't pay for the kids needs, he leaves everything to my sister. all he does when he's not working is go out partying and getting drunk, obsess about his computer, play hockey or park his butt on the couch and watch hockey or wrestling. And when things go wrong even if its his fault, itssomeone elses fault in his mind. My major concern is his threats of violence: today he had a fight with my sisters babysitter (his fault) and he threatened to burn the the house down or, in his words "cause a bloodbath". What should I do? I'm scared.

He's a lazy bum spongeing off my family- he's basically the Kevin Federline of Surrey, BC. And he's even threatened me with violence before over something I didn't even do!

BEFORE YOU READ THIS, You accept that I am just giving my opinion, and NOT giving legal advice, else you should NOT read further. You agree not to act on my opinions stated herein, and seek the council of a legal professional when ultimately making a decision to act.

REVISED. He has children with your sister? She is an idiot for allowing him to be a deadbeat. And he is a lowlife, but not the only lowlife in the world. They are all over the place. So...What are you going to do? I feel for you and your situation. I understand how difficult it might be to move, but what choice do you have? You have to consider your own well being. If the house belongs to your family, and you sister seems to be in control of the house. AND chooses to allow him to stay, then what OTHER options are there? Your sister has to do the kicking out. You can do it, but it seems you are not in a position to defend yourself. You need to bring in someone who can help, either law enforcement, or otherwise. A rich friend or Strong Friend to Kick his A%% out of there.
That said...

YOu didn't say who he threatened. You? If so, you really need to get out of there, even if you are not convinced he would cause you harm. If someone says it, they are capable of acting on it. You don't need to stay there, and yes if he said he would cause you bodily harm, you can call the authorities and have him charged for assault. Sadly, the police don't and won't do much for you on this. The laws are set up to protect the guilty. Without witness it is him agains you. Remember that. You are in a no win situation really.

Your sister has made a choice to be with this person.
YOU NEED TO MOVE OUT...
What you do after that is up to you.(pressing charges for instance)

If you feel she is in danger , call the police.
If you feel her kids are in danger call Child Protective Services. (remember they can make someone's life miserable), so don't do that unless you truly feel the kids are in danger.

IMPORTANTLY this is my opinion, and any ideas given here must be taken as such. If you want real legal advise, you should consult with an attorney in your area of jusisdiction.

You don't like this guy, and it sounds like you have a good reason, but you NEED to remember, your sister has made the choice to have him there. YOU can leave. You don't have to stay there, and even if it is an inconvenience, you move and find a more peaceful place to live. Better for you in the end anyways.

SOrry for you, but you chose to (OR NOT TO) live there. Your sister is a big girl, let her make her own decisions.
You never stated her feelings about this. Is she scared to kick him out? Again, if so, she needs to get law enforcement involved. Restraining orders are a start. At least then if he shows up, he can be arrested. This is not an easy situation. You should try to find as much support as you can BEFORE making moves.

I know this is to the point and a bit sharp, but those are the real life choices you have to make. Good luck and best wishes to you!

Move out.

yes just move out because some women will put up with that crap for some reason, ur sister needs to make a decision cos this man will not change and it sounds like he is headed for self destruction and will take somebody with him, just get out of there and also try to get sis to listen to you,, sounds like a bomb in waiting to me,

I suggest you to buy home insurance and also to buy life insurance for our sister and her children.

If you want to protect yourself I suggest you to ask your sister to move out of your house with her children and her "man"

If the house it's not yours I suggest you to move out and let them worry about the rent every month.

I suggest you to buy a Digital Voice Recorder and record his threats.

I suggest you to hire a lawyer to find out the Child Support Laws in your State.