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Bill Allowing People To "Meet Force With Force" Passes House
People who feel threatened on the street, in a bar, at a baseball game -- or anywhere they have a legal right to be -- could "meet force with force" to defend themselves without fear of being prosecuted or held liable under a bill passed overwhelmingly Tuesday by the House.The measure (SB 436) passed 94-20. It had already passed the Senate and now heads to Gov. Jeb Bush, who has so far declined to say whether he will sign it. It was the top priority of the National Rifle Association in Florida this year. It essentially extends a right Floridians already have in their home or car, saying that there's no need to retreat before fighting back. Generally people attacked in their homes don't have to back off. If they're attacked in the street, though, they're supposed to do what they can to avoid escalating the situation, and can only use deadly force after they've tried to retreat. "I'm sorry people, but if I'm attacked I shouldn't have a duty to retreat," said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala. "That's a good way to get shot in the back." Baxley said that if people have the clear right to defend themselves without having to worry about the legal consequences, criminals will think twice before attacking someone. Opponents said it will make Florida like the "Wild, Wild West." The bill, if signed by Bush, would take effect Oct. 1. Posted by: tipper 2005-04-05 |
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