Hi all,
I've been lurking for awhile, trying to understand the ramifications of Castle Doctrine and other laws in my home state of Wisconsin. This site and its users have been *incredibly* helpful to me. This sounds melodramatic, but I had actually started avoiding taking walks in my neighborhood. Once I started to parse the legal language on my own ("no duty to retreat," etc.) I actually got much more afraid. The law seemed to me to be set up specifically to allow people to shoot anyone they felt "threatened" them. Thankfully our state has not gone THAT far yet!
I don't carry a gun, and haven't owned any for years, although I grew up in a very strong firearm friendly household and have some friends and relatives who take gun safety much less seriously than I do.
Before you dismiss me as an "anti" who gets their news only from particular sources, realize that not everyone who chooses not to use lethal force wants to gut the second amendment! I certainly don't wish to curtail anyone's consitutional rights, but I do need to understand the laws as they pertain to me, so that I can feel safe.
It has been tremendously helpful to read the opinions of gun enthusiasts who take gun safety so seriously, who have taken the time in personal e-mails to help me understand how I can avoid situations in which Castle Doctrine and other laws might be used in court against me.
So, thanks and hello!