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State bill would allow killing in self-defense [Pennsylvania]
Pittsburgh Post Gazette ^
| August 14, 2006
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 ...
TOPICS: Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS:
1
posted on
08/14/2006 5:01:07 PM PDT
by
grundle
To: grundle
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.
2
posted on
08/14/2006 5:02:39 PM PDT
by
irishtenor
(We survived Clinton in the 80s... we can survive her even when her husband is gone.)
To: grundle
3
posted on
08/14/2006 5:03:30 PM PDT
by
xcamel
(Press to Test, Release to Detonate)
To: grundle
What does Scottish law have to say about this?
To: grundle
Current law states that when people are attacked or threatened in public, their responsibility is to retreat. You can't defend yourself now? Unbelievable.
5
posted on
08/14/2006 5:05:14 PM PDT
by
Samwise
(All that is needed for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing.)
To: Paleo Conservative
What does Scottish law have to say about this? Have to check with justice Anthony M. Kennedy.
6
posted on
08/14/2006 5:07:17 PM PDT
by
dancusa
(For liberals there is no end to their rights and no beginning to their responsibilities.)
To: grundle
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. Outrageous! It is a Liberal's responsibility to stand in one place, unarmed, and be murdered!
7
posted on
08/14/2006 5:07:18 PM PDT
by
pabianice
To: freepatriot32
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.
8
posted on
08/14/2006 5:08:31 PM PDT
by
KoRn
To: grundle
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.
9
posted on
08/14/2006 5:09:01 PM PDT
by
longtermmemmory
(VOTE! http://www.senate.gov and http://www.house.gov)
To: grundle
10
posted on
08/14/2006 5:09:18 PM PDT
by
BenLurkin
("The entire remedy is with the people." - W. H. Harrison)
To: grundle
I have a pistol, a shovel and intimate knowledge of the national forests around here.
I don't need any new laws to protect my family and home.
11
posted on
08/14/2006 5:11:40 PM PDT
by
Dr.Zoidberg
(Mohammedism - Bringing you only the best of the 6th century for fourteen hundred years.)
To: grundle
Move to Texas. But NOT EVERYBODY AT ONCE!
:-)
12
posted on
08/14/2006 5:11:57 PM PDT
by
SerpentDove
(I heard they're implanting chips in the tinfoil now.)
To: Owl_Eagle; brityank; Physicist; WhyisaTexasgirlinPA; GOPJ; abner; baseballmom; Mo1; Ciexyz; ...
13
posted on
08/14/2006 5:12:15 PM PDT
by
Tribune7
To: grundle
What about "proportionate response"? ;~)
14
posted on
08/14/2006 5:13:12 PM PDT
by
cripplecreek
(If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can't it get us out?)
To: grundle
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. Wasn't this covered a couple of hundred years ago?
15
posted on
08/14/2006 5:15:52 PM PDT
by
Recovering Hermit
(Apparently, most who protest for peace do so at the expense of hygiene.)
To: grundle
Which would you rather do? Consult a lawyer or have your family consult a funeral director?
16
posted on
08/14/2006 5:17:32 PM PDT
by
Tall_Texan
(I wish a political party would come along that thinks like I do.)
To: grundle
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
17
posted on
08/14/2006 5:20:29 PM PDT
by
ronnied
(we are the only animals that bare our teeth in greeting...)
To: dancusa; Paleo Conservative
Better consult US Sen Arlie Sphincter (LIBERAL-PA), for a ruling on that crap.
To: Dr.Zoidberg
To: Tall_Texan
Better to have it and not need it, than to not have it and need it.
To: Joe Brower
21
posted on
08/14/2006 5:31:02 PM PDT
by
loboinok
(Gun control is hitting what you aim at!)
To: butternut_squash_bisque
*SSS*, isn't it?
Exactly so.
22
posted on
08/14/2006 5:42:41 PM PDT
by
Dr.Zoidberg
(Mohammedism - Bringing you only the best of the 6th century for fourteen hundred years.)
To: Dr.Zoidberg
To: Recovering Hermit
A lot of things were covered two hundred years ago, and covered very well indeed- then liberal judges came along, and that was that......
To: grundle
Looks like the Yankees are catching up with us "Suthiners".
25
posted on
08/14/2006 5:52:34 PM PDT
by
Dallas59
(I HAVE A TRACFONE!!!)
To: Dr.Zoidberg
I have a pistol, a shovel and intimate knowledge of the national forests around here. Have you seen the movie Clueless?
"I have a .45 and a shovel. If anything happens to my daughter, I don't think anyone would miss you."
26
posted on
08/14/2006 6:00:15 PM PDT
by
grundle
To: Samwise
Sorry, I couldn't read the whole article, I have oil on my hands from cleaning my Ruger.....
27
posted on
08/14/2006 6:00:46 PM PDT
by
peacethroughstrength
("There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet an enemy." G. Washington)
To: grundle
Have you seen the movie Clueless?
No, I haven't seen that film. But I like that quote. heh
28
posted on
08/14/2006 6:08:34 PM PDT
by
Dr.Zoidberg
(Mohammedism - Bringing you only the best of the 6th century for fourteen hundred years.)
To: Frank_2001
29
posted on
08/14/2006 6:12:46 PM PDT
by
Recovering Hermit
(Apparently, most who protest for peace do so at the expense of hygiene.)
To: peacethroughstrength
I have oil on my hands from cleaning my Ruger..... LOL
30
posted on
08/14/2006 7:03:11 PM PDT
by
Samwise
(All that is needed for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing.)
To: grundle
Opponents of the bill call it a "shoot first, ask questions later" law.
You know I like the sound of that.
31
posted on
08/14/2006 7:28:44 PM PDT
by
festus
(The constitution may be flawed but its a whole lot better than what we have now.)
To: Tall_Texan
Can you shoot the lawyer if he's threatening you ? Bwahahahaha.......... ;-)
32
posted on
08/14/2006 7:30:36 PM PDT
by
festus
(The constitution may be flawed but its a whole lot better than what we have now.)
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