Posted on 03/22/2006 9:55:38 AM PST by hoosierboy
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Mitch Daniels signed into law legislation endorsing Indiana residents' right to use deadly force against intruders, a change that prevents courts from ruling that individuals should flee first before using a gun.
The legislation signed into law Tuesday states that Hoosiers do not have to retreat before using deadly force to prevent serious bodily injury to themselves or someone else.
Indiana did not previously require residents to retreat before using a gun or other deadly weapon. The new law, however, clarifies state law and prevents courts from determining that Hoosiers should run before using a gun.
"This bill would eliminate any duty to retreat that a court might decide is necessary," said Rep. Eric Koch, R-Bedford, the bill's author.
The law makes Indiana one of only three states, along with Florida and South Dakota, with a deadly force law. Fifteen other states are considering similar legislation, according to the National Rifle Association.
Critics maintain that such laws can encourage gun violence and The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence calls such legislation "shoot-first" bills.
"It's really a potentially dangerous solution to a nonexistent problem because there is not a scenario of legitimate self-defense anywhere in the country that doesn't get treated by juries, prosecutors and police as self-defense," said Peter Hamm, a campaign spokesman.
The NRA has lobbied across the nation for what it calls "Stand Your Ground" bills.
"Law-abiding citizens should not be forced to retreat when they're being attacked by criminals whether it's inside their home or outside their home," said Chris W. Cox, NRA chief lobbyist.
Jane Jankowski, the governor's press secretary, said he supports residents' right to use deadly force in a life-threatening situation.
"The governor said that this makes the law clear that men and women are entitled to defend themselves, their property and loved ones in extreme situations," she said.
Indiana recognizes EVERY states handgun permits. So if you drop in the neighborhood, bring you gun and help keep our crime down without fear of prosecution.
Castle Doctrine bump and welcome to the club from Florida!
Its really sad that laws like this are needed - but they are.
And I call them "common sense" bills.
Why the hell should anyone be required to run from room to room, in their own home, to flee an attacker/intruder?
Congrats Indiana.
Daniels does something right.
Off topic, but are you surprised that Alford is taking the job at Missouri, and blowing off IU...There was a blurb in SI.com tot he effect that the facilities at Indiana are second rate, and that hurts recruiting. I always had the impression that BB was big kahuna on campus..
IIRC, it's this law (or another pending bill) that makes our CCW permits LIFETIME permits. Of course, a rider requires all 4473 documents to be transferred to the State Police. Not sure about that tradeoff.
Hoosiers sounds so much better than the Boston Globe's description of people from Indiana as Indianians.
Just in time for bird flu...........
I'm still pissed about the time-change business.
Indianians? Are you serious???
Be assured, there are plenty of derogatory speculations as to the origin of the term "Hoosier". ;)
"Hoosier", is not a word but the contraction of a very popular algonghian phrase used by the "Bull-town" Shawnee that lived in the Hazelton area in the early 1800's.
Can't recall the exact wording, but it goes something like this:
"Lets move, this hell-hole is too dammed hot!
He's gotten a couple things right.
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