Corbett Signs Castle Doctrine into Law
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) said today legislation reinforcing a person’s right to defend himself or herself in the face of an intruder has been signed into law by Gov. Tom Corbett.
“I am pleased Gov. Corbett acted quickly to sign this bill into law,” Causer said. “Law-abiding people under attack should not have to retreat before taking action to protect themselves. This law reaffirms our right to protect ourselves, not only in our homes but in our vehicles or any other place we have a legal right be.”
The law, also known as the Castle Doctrine, creates a presumption in law that an attacker or intruder intends to do great bodily harm and therefore force, including deadly force, may be used to protect oneself, one’s family and others in the face of an attack while at home or in an occupied vehicle. The presumption also applies if a person is trying to unlawfully remove an occupant, against the occupant’s will, from a home or vehicle.
The presumption would not apply if the person entering a home was:
~~Another resident of the home.
~~A law enforcement officer.
~~A parent, grandparent or other guardian removing a child from the home or vehicle.
In addition, the presumption would not apply if a person was using their home or vehicle to further criminal activity. The bill also offers specific protection against civil liability for the lawful use of force in self-defense.
The law will take effect in 60 days.
“I am pleased Gov. Corbett acted quickly to sign this bill into law,” Causer said. “Law-abiding people under attack should not have to retreat before taking action to protect themselves. This law reaffirms our right to protect ourselves, not only in our homes but in our vehicles or any other place we have a legal right be.”
The law, also known as the Castle Doctrine, creates a presumption in law that an attacker or intruder intends to do great bodily harm and therefore force, including deadly force, may be used to protect oneself, one’s family and others in the face of an attack while at home or in an occupied vehicle. The presumption also applies if a person is trying to unlawfully remove an occupant, against the occupant’s will, from a home or vehicle.
The presumption would not apply if the person entering a home was:
~~Another resident of the home.
~~A law enforcement officer.
~~A parent, grandparent or other guardian removing a child from the home or vehicle.
In addition, the presumption would not apply if a person was using their home or vehicle to further criminal activity. The bill also offers specific protection against civil liability for the lawful use of force in self-defense.
The law will take effect in 60 days.
.jpg)
Comments