The Senate has passed a bill that would allow Missouri citizens to use deadly force to defend themselves against intruders.
"A person who uses justified force shall have an absolute defense to criminal prosecution or civil liability for the use of such force. The court shall award attorney's fees, court costs, and all reasonable expenses incurred by the defendant in defense of any civil action brought by the plaintiff if the court finds that the defendant has an absolute defense," reads one of the sections of Senate Bill 62.
Sen. Goodman, who sponsored the bill, says it essentially aims to overturn a number of court decisions that require Missourians to retreat or await physical aggression before using force against intruders who have gained entry unlawfully.
25 other states have similar laws.
Governor Matt Blunt applauded Senate approval today.
"Law-abiding Missourians should be able to use force to defend themselves or their families without the fear of being sued," Blunt said. "A person's home is their castle and we need to ensure that our laws allow Missourians to take necessary protective actions when attacked. I applaud members of the Senate, and the bill's sponsor, Sen. Goodman, for passing this important legislation," the Governor said.
It now goes to the House for approval.
2 comments:
I'm glad that the senate has decided to give use a right that God, mother nature and the theory of evolution has already granted.
Thank you, Dave, for posting this story. It really is great news for those of us who feel the importance for defending ourselves in our homes. I look forward to the House's decision to approve this Castle Doctrine, too!
I am also excited about the story I heard on the Nightly News tonight that there has been a change in gun laws in D.C. Being able to defend yourself with the use of a gun is indeed a right granted by the Constitution. D.C. is apart of this country; so it's exciting that the laws there are matching up to the Bill of Rights!
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