Push on for stronger self-defense law in WA

Seattle Gun Rights Examiner ^ | 18 December, 2011 | Dave Workman

[marktwain]

Washington State armed citizens are being lobbied to push for adoption of a proposed statute that will strengthen the Evergreen State’s lethal force self-defense law, a measure that was introduced in January and now waits for more co-sponsors.

Leading the charge is veteran firearms instructor Marty Hayes, founder of the Firearms Academy of Seattle. His primary concern is a 2005 Supreme Court ruling in State v. Brightman, a case involving a man who, during the course of a fistfight over $20, pulled a gun and struck his opponent only to have the pistol discharge, fatally wounding Dexter Villa near Titlow Beach in Tacoma.

Hayes suggests that the state high court ruling could make it more difficult for citizens to defend themselves, especially in their homes, from burglars if the homeowner cannot articulate that he or she was in genuine fear of grave bodily harm or death. He’s got company in the handful of lawmakers who so far have signed on to sponsor Senate Bill 5418, which was re-introduced in November when the legislature re-convened for a special session. Hayes discusses the legislation here.

[marktwain]

Links are at the site.

[Vaquero]

during the course of a fistfight over $20, pulled a gun and struck his opponent only to have the pistol discharge, fatally wounding Dexter Villa near Titlow Beach in Tacoma

there are a number of major motion picture that show the proper way to pistol whip(or Buffaloing) someone(without accidental shooting them)...'Tombstone' is one and of course this gem from 'Lonesome Dove'

[SeaHawkFan]

If you read the actual case decisions, I don’t see a problem with them given the facts of the case.

The WASC reversed the original conviction because of the public trial issue. Washington has just about the best self-defense laws in the nation.