Posted on 08/14/2006 5:01:06 PM PDT by grundle
HARRISBURG -- State lawmakers are considering a bill that would permit people to stand their ground -- and even use deadly force -- to defend themselves when threatened or endangered.
Current law states that when people are attacked or threatened in public, their responsibility is to retreat.
But retreating "could get you shot or stabbed in the back," said state Rep. Steven Cappelli, R-Lycoming.
Mr. Cappelli has sponsored a bill that would allow people who are licensed to carry concealed guns to use those weapons if they are threatened with death, serious bodily injury, kidnapping or rape.
Since October, 10 states have passed similar bills, known by supporters as "stand-your-ground laws" and backed by the National Rifle Association. Florida was the first, and Michigan was the most recent.
Opponents of the bill call it a "shoot now, ask questions later" law.
Zach Ragbourn, a spokesman for the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, said the proposal could enable murderers to claim self-defense and get lighter sentences.
But Mr. Cappelli said his bill wouldn't provide criminals with a defense because only people with concealed weapons permits -- who have gone through criminal background checks -- would be allowed to shoot in self-defense.
(Excerpt) Read more at post-gazette.com ...
Allow? That's a given. I'll protect myself, my family, and my possessions. If the law doesn't like it, tough. I'll sue them for not being there.
related story:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1683617/posts
What does Scottish law have to say about this?
You can't defend yourself now? Unbelievable.
Have to check with justice Anthony M. Kennedy.
Outrageous! It is a Liberal's responsibility to stand in one place, unarmed, and be murdered!
Sad there even needs to be a law ALLOWING people to defend themselves. Especially when all the police are good for is to show up after the fact to take pictures and clean up the mess.
It is a given.
THIS IS TRUE TORT REFORM.
This is opposed by the plaintiff's bar because it removes the ability of lawyers and anti-gun groups to do "slap suits" to scare people from protecting themselves.
Astonished bump.
Move to Texas. But NOT EVERYBODY AT ONCE!
:-)
ping
What about "proportionate response"? ;~)
Wasn't this covered a couple of hundred years ago?
Which would you rather do? Consult a lawyer or have your family consult a funeral director?
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would permit people to stand their ground -- and even use deadly force -- to defend themselves when threatened or endangered.
Current law states that when people are attacked or threatened in public, their responsibility is to retreat.
wait, wait, i think they're talking only about philadelphia
/s
Better consult US Sen Arlie Sphincter (LIBERAL-PA), for a ruling on that crap.
*SSS*, isn't it?
Better to have it and not need it, than to not have it and need it.
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