The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - I need your opinions on having to draw my weapon.

Glck3419 · May 16, 2008, 09:20 PM

Not about MI but does mention MI has the law!!!!

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HARRISBURG AP — 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.

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 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.

Pennsylvania already allows people to use deadly force against intruders in their homes.

"The idea is that your home is your last refuge," Perry County District Attorney Charles Chenot said. "Once you retreat to your home, you have no place else to go."

Dauphin County District Attorney Edward M. Marsico said Cappelli's proposal is unnecessary. If it is obvious that a shooter could not retreat to safety, even in public, Marsico said, he would consider the shooter's actions to be in self-defense.

Still, Cappelli said he hopes his bill will be debated at the General Assembly's Aug. 26 session on gun control and crime.

Gov. Ed Rendell has not taken a position on the bill, said spokeswoman Kate Philips.

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Information from: The Patriot-News, http://www.pennlive.com/patriotnews

May 16, 2008, 09:20 PM	#27
Glck3419 Junior Member Join Date: May 12, 2008 Posts: 9	Not about MI but does mention MI has the law!!!! ---------------------------- HARRISBURG AP — 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. 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 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. Pennsylvania already allows people to use deadly force against intruders in their homes. "The idea is that your home is your last refuge," Perry County District Attorney Charles Chenot said. "Once you retreat to your home, you have no place else to go." Dauphin County District Attorney Edward M. Marsico said Cappelli's proposal is unnecessary. If it is obvious that a shooter could not retreat to safety, even in public, Marsico said, he would consider the shooter's actions to be in self-defense. Still, Cappelli said he hopes his bill will be debated at the General Assembly's Aug. 26 session on gun control and crime. Gov. Ed Rendell has not taken a position on the bill, said spokeswoman Kate Philips. ------ Information from: The Patriot-News, http://www.pennlive.com/patriotnews