Florida Law Lets Citizens 'Meet Force With Force'

LA Times ^ | October 1, 2005 | John-Thor Dahlburg

[neverdem]

Civilians may stand their ground with a firearm if they feel threatened by another.

MIAMI — Welcome to Florida, the Sunshine State. Please avoid unnecessary arguments with locals. Starting today, they may be more inclined to shoot you — at least that's essentially the message from a national gun-control organization as a Florida law goes into effect empowering people who feel threatened to use force, including firearms, to protect themselves.

Before, if possible, they were supposed to back down or run away.

"It's unlike any supposed self-defense statute in America," said Peter Hamm, communications director for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. "It empowers people who are on edge and have violent tendencies to presume a situation is dangerous to them that may not be."

Proponents of the law, which was championed by the National Rifle Assn., counter that it sends an unequivocal message both to would-be assailants and innocent citizens that potential victims have the legal option of protecting themselves.

"Running away is a good way to get shot in the back, raped or otherwise harmed," said state Rep. Dennis K. Baxley, a sponsor of the law.

Under a legal concept derived from English Common Law, known as the "Castle Doctrine," it has been long held that people have the right to stand their ground if attacked in their home. Baxley, a Republican from Ocala, said the new legislation explicitly enshrined that principle in Florida statutes and extended the concept of a person's "castle" to personal space in a car or anywhere else he or she is entitled to be.

"We want people to know that the law contains a presumption that they have the right to protect themselves," Baxley said.

Previously under Florida law, people acting in self-defense outside their home or workplace were supposed to use...

[neverdem]

The reaction of police chief John F. Timoney of Miami is no surprise. His Cirriculum Vitae begins with a career in the NYPD.

[Frohickey]

State Rep. Eleanor Sobel (D-Hollywood), one of the few lawmakers to vote against the bill, said she was worried it could turn the streets of Florida into a latter-day version of the Wild West.

This worry about turning into the Wild West is a bunch of hot air. Everytime a state passes a shall-issue law, these worrywarts have the same concern, and none of it comes to pass. You would think that they would change their tune after being wrong so many times in the past.

[Mister Da]

Libs just can't stand the idea that their public behavior must be respectful, considerate, and non-threatening to others.

Florida has taken a small step in that direction.

Whadda ya bet the crime rate drops, along with a few very surprised muggers?

[stuartcr]

Can't wait to hear about the first lawsuit by an unarmed thief/mugger, that gets shot.

[Kenton]

Florida Law Lets Citizens 'Meet Force With Force'

I suppose this is somehow less desirable than meeting force with Care Bears? Rainbows, unicorns, hugs and kisses?

I mean, ya use force, you should expect it back. The easy answer to this is, don't try to use force against Floridians.

[dead]

Brady campaign wants to cripple Florida's gullible chickensh|t tourism business.

[mbynack]

"It's unlike any supposed self-defense statute in America," said Peter Hamm, communications director for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. "It empowers people who are on edge and have violent tendencies to presume a situation is dangerous to them that may not be."

Actually, several other states already have laws similar to this and haven't experienced any increase in violent crime as a result.

Mr Hamm's mischaracterization of concealed carry permit holders as people "on edge and have violent tendencies" is ignorant and false. CCW holders undergo a criminal background check and are disqualified if they have any felony convictions/arrests, history of mental illness, or restraining orders against them. The CCW holders have a lower rate of violent crime than any other major group, including law enforcement officers.

Mr. Hamm and the Brady Bunch have an agenda of removing firearms from society and feel that any means is justified to achieve it, including outright lies, personal attacks, and propaganda.

[TheDon]

I'm glad Florida is doing something to protect the seniors who choose to retire there.

[flashbunny]

That is about the worst designed poster I've ever seen.

Not only does it look ugly, the message is muddled and poorly written.

No wonder their side is losing so badly.

[Disambiguator]

You like how the outline of the state resembles a handgun in silhouette?

[Rakkasan1]

here in MN, you have no legal duty to retreat if in your abode.I don't see any reason why that should end at your front door.even in Flori-duh.

[Rakkasan1]

so what? you should/would normally argue with motorists and look for disputes to be in? that seems to be what the poster suggests. if that's what you need out of life, just get married.

[VeniVidiVici]

would normally argue with motorists and look for disputes to be in?

Yeah, even when the Brady Bunch tries hard they just end up shooting themselves in the foot. LOL!

I think this campaign is great. Who goes on vacation looking for a fight?

[summer]

Proponents of the law, which was championed by the National Rifle Assn., counter that it sends an unequivocal message both to would-be assailants and innocent citizens that potential victims have the legal option of protecting themselves. "Running away is a good way to get shot in the back, raped or otherwise harmed," said state Rep. Dennis K. Baxley, a sponsor of the law.

Under a legal concept derived from English Common Law, known as the "Castle Doctrine," it has been long held that people have the right to stand their ground if attacked in their home. Baxley, a Republican from Ocala, said the new legislation explicitly enshrined that principle in Florida statutes and extended the concept of a person's "castle" to personal space in a car or anywhere else he or she is entitled to be.

This is really great news. It is going to cut down on crime because would-be criminals may think twice when it is their own life that may be taken out. I love Florida's position on gun laws for law-abiding citizens. Very enlightened. Very aware of what actually goes on in the world.

[clee1]

You would think that they would change their tune after being wrong so many times in the past.

A good definition of insanity is: keep doing the same thing in hopes of a differing outcome. It applies here as well.