Free Republic

When should a resident be permitted to use deadly force against an intruder? Whenever an unlawful entry is made, according to legislation proposed by Del. Neil Parrott, R-Washington. Parrott made his case this week in the House Judiciary Committee, telling members that 34 other states already have the "castle doctrine," which permits deadly force. Parrott's bill, he said, allows a person to defend himself against anyone who has made an unlawful entry into a dwelling — and to use any degree of physical force necessary. "Why do we need it? Well, because people need to be able to protect themselves...

This story was corrected on Jan. 29, 2013. An explanation follows the story. The speed limit on the Intercounty Connector could reach 70 miles per hour if a bill, introduced during the General Assembly's current session, passes. Del. Aruna Miller (D-Dist. 15) of Darnestown and Del. Neil Parrott (R-Dist. 2B) of Hagerstown are co-sponsoring the bill that would raise the maximum speed limit on interstates and expressways statewide from 65 to 70 miles per hour. The speed limit on the ICC would automatically increase from 55 to 70 miles per hour if the bill is passed. The Maryland Transportation Authority...

ANNAPOLIS — Organizers of a petition against Maryland’s same-sex marriage law have collected enough valid voter signatures to send the law to a November referendum, state election officials said Thursday. The state Board of Elections announced that local elections boards have verified 70,039 signatures on the petition to force a statewide vote on the law — exceeding the 55,736 signatures that were required to be turned in by June 30. The Maryland Marriage Alliance has led the petition effort against the law, which was passed in February by the General Assembly. The group says it submitted more than 122,000 signatures...