Posted on 12/19/2007 11:25:39 PM PST by Stoat
Straw ... proposals
HAVE-a-go heroes who defend themselves against thugs and burglars are to be protected, Justice Secretary Jack Straw pledged yesterday.
People who use reasonable force should not fear prosecution, he said.
He is proposing reforms he says would protect people who ACTED instinctively, FEARED for their safety or the safety of others and used FORCE that was not excessive or disproportionate.
Mr Straw who has helped catch muggers or burglars four times himself said: Law-abiding citizens should not be put off tackling criminals by fear of excessive investigation.
But the Tories said the plans dont go far enough.
Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Herbert said: There is no greater protection to householders confronted by burglars.
Labour backs down on right to fight burglars - Telegraph
Labour backs down on right to fight burglarsBy Philip Johnston, Home Affairs Editor Last Updated: 1:38am GMT 20/12/2007
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BBC NEWS UK UK Politics Straw to change self-defence laws
Straw to change self-defence laws
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Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced a review of the law at the Labour Party conference in September. The Conservatives have argued the public is not getting enough support from the law. People will still have to show that they acted instinctively and the force was not disproportionate. The measures are designed to give the public greater confidence when challenging burglars or other criminals. By strengthening the law, ministers want to ensure that people are not put off intervening by fear of getting prosecuted themselves.
Jack Straw said: "In the case of a passer-by witnessing a crime in the street for example, or a householder faced with a burglar in his home, we are reassuring them that if they intervene and necessarily use force which is not excessive or disproportionate, the law really is behind them." The law will clarify existing legislation, although prosecution will be likely if a person is found to have over-reacted. Public campaign Campaigners have long argued for a change in the law. They believe people can protect themselves against burglars, but end up in court themselves. In 2004, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir John Stevens, said people should be able to use "necessary force" against burglars who enter their homes. The Conservatives took up the cause with the MP Patrick Mercer introducing his own legislation, which failed in 2005. His colleague Anne McIntosh also tried and failed in the same year. She has broadly welcomed the latest announcement. "What the government is proposing falls short of what we requested but I do hope there will be room to negotiate. "This is a hugely important bill that will address the deep concerns the public have over their protection acting in self-defence against burglars and robberies, as well as bringing criminal law in the line with civil law." Reform Until recently the government refused to support the plans. The then Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, and the former Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer argued there was no need for reform. At the Labour Party conference in September Jack Straw announced a change of policy. "I intend urgently to review the balance of the law to ensure that those who seek to protect themselves, their loved ones, their homes and other citizens, know that the law really is on their side, that we back those who do their duty." Mr Straw has himself been a "have-a-go hero" four times. "I know from personal experience that you have all of a millisecond to make the judgement about whether to intervene." The changes will be made as amendments to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill which is already proceeding through Parliament. |
Ping
So cricket bats are once again cricket to wield one a Yob is taking the flat screen through the apt window?
Cricket bats yes, Desert Eagles no.
All British liberals should be made to pay for all the burglaries and thefts they’ve encouraged over the years by their senseless prosecution of homeowners who defend themselves against thieves. Even my own Brit in-laws have told me of thieves trying to steal stuff from their property while they were at home.
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