'States Signing on to Deadly Force Law' I can see where this is going!

[in_cog_ni_to]

Martial Law, anyone???? :scared: Should we all but our guns now? Anarchy! Everyone will be shooting each other over a damn parking place, or that last pair of shoes in the store, or my kid picked on your kid...:scared: This is bad, bad, bad for this country!


States Signing on to Deadly Force Law
By ROBERT TANNER, AP National Writer

A campaign by gun rights advocates to make it easier to use deadly force in self-defense is rapidly winning support across the country, as state after state makes it legal for people who feel their lives are in danger to shoot down an attacker _ whether in a car-jacking or just on the street.

The law has spurred debate about whether it protects against lawlessness or spurs more crime. Supporters say it's an unambiguous answer to random violence, while critics _ including police chiefs and prosecutors _ warn that criminals are more likely to benefit than innocent victims.

Ten states so far this year have passed a version of the law, after Florida was the first last year. It's already being considered in Arizona in the case of a deadly shooting on a hiking trail.

Supporters have dubbed the new measures "stand your ground" laws, while critics offered nicknames like the "shoot first," "shoot the Avon lady" or "right to commit murder" laws.<snip>

http://www.comcast.net/news/national/index.jsp?cat=DOMESTIC&fn=/2006/05/24/399184.html&cvqh=itn_deadlyforce

[derby378]

1. I have mixed feelings

I'm all for self-defense. But we need to know more.

[Pavulon]

2. Are there any cases

in florida, where this law is already booked, that show higher use of firearms in claimed self defense shootings?

[in_cog_ni_to]

3. I wouldn't know. I live in Illinois. Any Floridians want to fill us in?

Self defense is one thing, but SHOOTING someone with a damn GUN, is quite another! Geezus. This scares the shit out of me. I HATE guns!

[Solo_in_MD]

18. In IL you are screwed since

your firearms rights are long gone.

I for one support this approach fully. When attacked or threatened I should not have to retreat.

[RagAss]

13. No....crime is down as well in Florida

[The_Casual_Observer]

4. How many times have people actually defended themselves

by using their guns? How many home invasions were prevented by the use of a gun?

[derby378]

6. It happens in North Texas once in a while

[acmejack]

5. We shall see Ann Coulter's incendiary words become reality

This is the wrong way at the wrong time.

[in_cog_ni_to]

7. No kidding. Everyone hates everyone else and we put guns in their hands?

Yikes. :scared:

[ThoughtCriminal]

8. Is this going to become a defense in most murder trials?

"Feel they are in danger" seems like a questionable standard. After a while, I expect that race will be a statistical predictor of how often it is used successfully.

[High Plains]

11. Hey, that defense already works for the cops!

"I thought I saw a gun..."

"He reached in his waistband..."

And the clincher:

"I feared for my life..."

Acquitted, sorry to bother you, officer.

[treestar]

9. Self defense has been a defense for centuries - what is this

"new law" then but a restatement of that, (and posturing).

[Bluerthanblue]

12. the difference is you only need to say you 'feared'

violence- And it can be deadly force in defense of a 'thing'- not against your person, as I understand it-
The 'agressor' needn't be in possession of a weapon- or actually make a move for you to 'justify' killing them.

Welcome to the wild west of *'s dreams.

[Bluerthanblue]

10. my Gov. pledges to veto the measure that passed

in the state legislature- And the legislature says they'll vote to over-ride his veto-
(Lynch-D NH he's good) Hope his veto stands up.

At least we're on the record for legally opposing 'real-ID'-

I am not against responsible gun ownership- I'm completely opposed to the shoot first, ask questions later mindset- Pre-emptive violence. Another gift from this mis-administration.

[comradebillyboy]

14. Anyone used this law to justify killing someone yet?

I don't think these kind of laws protect the shooter from civil damages. Kill someone without real justification and you will be sued for your last dime, even if you beat a criminal rap.

[sutz12]

15. I thought we were all safer because of the right to carry laws...

:wtf:

[Llewlladdwr]

16. The law's been on the books in Florida for over a year now.

And I haven't heard of any cases of it being abused. Just more fearmongering from the gun-prohibition nuts.

If some one is attacking me why the Hell should I have to "attempt to retreat" before being able to defend myself?

[Meldread]

17. As a gay man...

I have to support laws like this. There was a case not to long ago in Pennsylvania where a young gay male was assaulted by a gang of kids, they attacked him, pushed him down on the sidewalk, and fearing for his life he pulled out a pocket knife. He ended up killing one of them, injuring another, and the other kids ran off when the first one fell. His life was undoubtedly saved by using deadly force. How many other gay bashings that have lead to murder could have been prevented in the same manor?

LGBT people can't depend on the law to stand by us. Hate Crime laws are few and far between, let alone equal rights in marriage or employment. We are constantly under threat and assault by homophobes. Would Matthew Shepard be alive today had he been armed? "Armed gays don't get bashed." That's the motto of the Pink Pistols, and one that I support.

People have the fundamental right to protect themselves and their property.