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View Full Version : Self-defense bills worth the clarification (editorial)



Knimrod
05-01-2006, 10:47 PM
Midland Daily News: Self-defense bills worth the clarification
May 1, 2006

You'd think a concept like self-defense would be easily defined, but not so. That's why we're glad the state House has taken steps to clarify the matter.

The House passed bills last week that specify people may assume someone who forcibly enters their home or vehicle intends to do them harm. Before, if someone broke into your living room, you could not make that assumption and be assured it would stand up in court. You also were required to retreat before attacking the intruder, and that provision has been removed.

Now people who feel threatened can defend themselves, using deadly force if necessary, without facing criminal or civil liability. This removes the possibility that Jim A can break into Joe B's home, get shot and turn around and sue Mr. B for damages. And just so the bills don't get warped in other creative ways, they specifically protect only people who are not committing crimes and are in places they have the legal right to be.

The state Senate is to consider the legislation and also has introduced its own versions. Critics have said it is unnecessary, but the occasional odd court case has proved otherwise. Let's hope this puts an end to people being prosecuted for defending themselves.

Link to article (http://www.ourmidland.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16564044&BRD=2289&PAG=461&dept_id=472539&rfi=6)