Post by DEERTRACKS on Mar 30, 2007 5:56:53 GMT -5
TX governor signs law allowing citizens to use deadly force
Rusty Pugh
OneNewsNow.com
March 29, 2007
The old saying "Don't mess with Texas" has taken on new meaning with a new law designed to allow citizens to defend themselves from thugs.
Texas Governor Rick Perry has signed into law a new measure that grants more leeway to citizens who feel threatened in their homes, cars, or businesses. The law allows armed citizens to use deadly force to defend themselves. The previous law allowed deadly force only if there was no "retreat" from the situation.
Erich Pratt with Gun Owners of America says Texas knows what is best for its law-abiding residents. The new law, he explains, simply codifies what the common law has granted all along.
"And that is, that when you are in your home, that is your castle -- and if somebody forcefully or unlawfully breaks into your home and you shoot them, the presumption of innocence is with you," says Pratt.
The law also provides civil immunity for a person who lawfully uses deadly force, which Pratt says is a key element. But while the new law may make that person "okay in the eyes of the law," Pratt cautions that some attorneys will still find ways to "antagonize" someone brought to trial for shooting an intruder or defending themselves with a gun while out on the streets
Rusty Pugh
OneNewsNow.com
March 29, 2007
The old saying "Don't mess with Texas" has taken on new meaning with a new law designed to allow citizens to defend themselves from thugs.
Texas Governor Rick Perry has signed into law a new measure that grants more leeway to citizens who feel threatened in their homes, cars, or businesses. The law allows armed citizens to use deadly force to defend themselves. The previous law allowed deadly force only if there was no "retreat" from the situation.
Erich Pratt with Gun Owners of America says Texas knows what is best for its law-abiding residents. The new law, he explains, simply codifies what the common law has granted all along.
"And that is, that when you are in your home, that is your castle -- and if somebody forcefully or unlawfully breaks into your home and you shoot them, the presumption of innocence is with you," says Pratt.
The law also provides civil immunity for a person who lawfully uses deadly force, which Pratt says is a key element. But while the new law may make that person "okay in the eyes of the law," Pratt cautions that some attorneys will still find ways to "antagonize" someone brought to trial for shooting an intruder or defending themselves with a gun while out on the streets
