“castle Doctrine” Self-defense Law

[Chuck]

Today, in a ceremony at the state capitol, Gov. Jeb Bush signed Florida’s “Castle Doctrine” (SB-436) into law. Sponsored by Senator Durell Peaden and Representative Dennis Baxley, the bill unanimously passed the Senate and overwhelmingly passed in the House, 94-20.

Prior to signing the National Rifle Association (NRA) supported bill, Gov. Jeb Bush stated, "It's a good, commonsense, anti-crime issue."

The "Castle Doctrine" simply says that if a criminal breaks into your home, your occupied vehicle or your place of business, you may presume he is there to do bodily harm and you may use any force against him.

It also removes the “duty to retreat” if you are attacked in any place you have a right to be.

Furthermore, this law provides protection from criminal prosecution and civil litigation for those who defend themselves from criminal attack.

Past National Rifle Association (NRA) president and current Executive Director of Unified Sportsmen of Florida, Marion P. Hammer, stated, "Existing law is on the side of the criminal. The new law is on the side of the law-abiding victim.”

She continued, “To suggest that you can't defend yourself against a rapist who's trying to drag you into an alley or against a carjacker who's trying to drag you out of your car is nonsense. The ability to protect yourself, your children, or your spouse is important, no matter where you are.

“I want to thank Governor Bush and the bill sponsors, Sen. Peaden and Rep. Baxley, for supporting this vital measure. This law is about affirming that your home is your castle and, in Florida, you have a right to be absolutely safe inside its walls,” Hammer concluded.

[tkcomer]

Does Kentucky have any laws like that?

[mark]

Today, in a ceremony at the state capitol, Gov. Jeb Bush signed Florida’s “Castle Doctrine” (SB-436) into law.

The "Castle Doctrine" simply says that if a criminal breaks into your home, your occupied vehicle or your place of business, you may presume he is there to do bodily harm and you may use any force against him.

Past National Rifle Association (NRA) president and current Executive Director of Unified Sportsmen of Florida, Marion P. Hammer, stated, "Existing law is on the side of the criminal. The new law is on the side of the law-abiding victim.”



I'm glad this law passed. If not, law abiding citizens are going to "take" it in their own hands someday soon anyway. I think people are sick & tired of criminals getting off easy while out committing crimes.

Maybe some criminals would think twice crawling into a house knowing there is a 12 gauge awaiting them inside...............see ya Mark

[ynotamerican]

Like Jeb said, "Just good common sense".

[lackocash]

hip hip hooray!!! more death and destruction brought to us by the spawn of satan klan

[lackocash]

you can shoot folks in public places in florida if you feel threatened....that gives me the warm fuzzies....you dont even have to see a weapon!!!....how conservative..or perhaps liberal?...just like the olde west how .."quaint"

[GirlColumbo]

and just for those crazy enough to have a shoot up in the middle of any street, there are will be someone who has enough sense, and the legal right to protect himself and other innocent citizens in the line of far. rememeber the key word here is the legal right for the VICTIM to protect their right to be safe ANYWHERE.

[GirlColumbo]

and just for those crazy enough to have a shoot up in the middle of any street, there are will be someone who has enough sense, and the legal right to protect himself and other innocent citizens in the line of fire. rememeber the key word here is the legal right for the VICTIM to protect their right to be safe ANYWHERE.