Crooks in Missouri would be wise to think long and hard about partaking in any future criminal activity. A new law that takes effect this week expands gun rights in Missouri.
Dubbed the “Castle Doctrine,†it is intended to expand a person’s justifications for using deadly force in self defense beyond the traditional defense of one’s home.
Until now, Missouri law justified the use of deadly force only if people believed it was necessary to protect themselves or others from death or serious injury.
As of Tuesday, Aug. 28, people in homes, as well as car and truck drivers, will have wide discretion in the use of deadly force against intruders. People will be immune from criminal and civil actions for killing or injuring someone if it is in self-defense or in defense of other people.
It allows the use of deadly force against anyone who illegally and forcibly enters a dwelling or vehicle if the owner “had reason to believe†that a crime was occurring or had occurred. People no longer will be required to retreat from an intruder before using deadly force.
The change will not apply during instances when the intruder is a law enforcement officer or when the resident or driver is committing such felonies as murder, robbery or rape.
According to the National Rifle Association, the Show-Me State becomes the 19th state to adopt such rules.
Supporters say the protection gives the public another tool to stop home invasions, burglaries and “carjackings.†They also say it will put a stop to frivolous lawsuits against residents by criminals who are injured during the commission of a crime.
Opponents say the law relieves people of too much responsibility for unnecessary violence. They say it is dangerous to presume that break-ins and burglaries are intended to inflict bodily harm.
The rule also eliminates from state law a requirement that people obtain permits from their local sheriff before getting a handgun. People still are required to obtain permits to carry concealed weapons.
Dubbed the “Castle Doctrine,†it is intended to expand a person’s justifications for using deadly force in self defense beyond the traditional defense of one’s home.
Until now, Missouri law justified the use of deadly force only if people believed it was necessary to protect themselves or others from death or serious injury.
As of Tuesday, Aug. 28, people in homes, as well as car and truck drivers, will have wide discretion in the use of deadly force against intruders. People will be immune from criminal and civil actions for killing or injuring someone if it is in self-defense or in defense of other people.
It allows the use of deadly force against anyone who illegally and forcibly enters a dwelling or vehicle if the owner “had reason to believe†that a crime was occurring or had occurred. People no longer will be required to retreat from an intruder before using deadly force.
The change will not apply during instances when the intruder is a law enforcement officer or when the resident or driver is committing such felonies as murder, robbery or rape.
According to the National Rifle Association, the Show-Me State becomes the 19th state to adopt such rules.
Supporters say the protection gives the public another tool to stop home invasions, burglaries and “carjackings.†They also say it will put a stop to frivolous lawsuits against residents by criminals who are injured during the commission of a crime.
Opponents say the law relieves people of too much responsibility for unnecessary violence. They say it is dangerous to presume that break-ins and burglaries are intended to inflict bodily harm.
The rule also eliminates from state law a requirement that people obtain permits from their local sheriff before getting a handgun. People still are required to obtain permits to carry concealed weapons.
