Texas Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground Law

[64zebra]

Perry signs 'castle doctrine' deadly force bill
3/27/2007 12:17 PM
By: Associated Press

Gov. Rick Perry signed into law a bill Tuesday that gives Texans a stronger legal right to defend themselves with deadly force.

SB 378, which is backed by the National Rifle Association, states that no person has a duty to retreat from an intruder before using deadly force.

Perry was surrounded by lawmakers who pushed for the new law.

"The right to defend oneself from an imminent act of harm should not only be clearly defined in Texas law, but it is intuitive to human nature," he said.

Both chambers of the Legislature overwhelmingly approved the measure earlier this month.

In some cases, previous law imposed an obligation to retreat. In 1995, the Texas Legislature created an exception to a 1973 statute, which required a person to retreat in the face of a criminal attack. The exception allowed a person to use force without retreat when an intruder unlawfully entered their home.

But one of the bill's sponsors, Garland state Representative Joe Driver, says Texans' "first reaction needs to be to protect yourself and your family."

SB 378 extends a person’s right to stand their ground beyond the home to vehicles and workplaces, allowing the reasonable use of deadly force when an intruder is
Committing certain violent crimes, such as murder or sexual assault, or is attempting to commit such crimes
Unlawfully trying to enter a protected place
Unlawfully trying to remove a person from a protected place


The law also provides civil immunity for a person who lawfully uses deadly force in the above circumstances. The use of deadly force is not lawful when it is used to provoke or if a crime other than a Class C misdemeanor is committed by the victim.

The bill has been dubbed the "Castle Doctrine," from the idea that a man's home is his castle and he has the right to defend it. Fifteen other states have passed similar laws.

It provides a legal right to deadly force against intruders to a home, vehicle or workplace.

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Timmy Jimmy]

Thank You Gov. Perry

[mcp1810]

And my friends back in Maryland asked me why in the world would I want to live in Texas!

[rachilders]

Thank You Gov. Perry

+1 to that!

It's good to see our elected reps in Austin can put party politics aside and actually work together to do the right thing when necessary. Maybe the ones in Washington will take notice (and take a hint) as well.

[Weeg]

Dang I miss Texas...


Been two years now


.

[rodc13]

There was really broad support for this. It was interesting to watch the video of the original committee hearings, to see what arguments would be put forth, pro and con. Gives an insight into what may be involved in future legislative struggles.

Kudos to the legislature for getting it done and kudos to the gov for signing it!

[ibanda]

I am glad to see this has passed.

I was pretty sure if I ever had to defend myself in Texas, no charges would be filed or a a Grand Jury would "no bill" me, but I would much rather have it written into law and avoid all of those headaches.

[briansmech]

ahhh, another + for the Freedom Index!

[Bob The Great]

This is excellant news for Texas. Hopefully, more states will see the light with the public support for this law, and start their own legislation.

It kinda makes me miss living there. If they had provisions for open carry, it would be almost perfect.

[BlueMerle]

This is a great day for Texans!!

Just a reminder though... The law doesn't go into effect until Sept. 1, 07!

[Blackeagle]

Don't mess with Texas!

[Rock and Glock]

I do love certain things about Texas!

[Sonic Misfit]

Thanks to Gov. Perry and to our representatives. Also to the NRA and other organizations who spent so much time working on this.

It's great to be in Texas.

[Steve48]

Congratulations Texas!!! Steve48

[kentuckycarry]

Condrats to Texas....And I'm proud to live in one of those states that have the Castle Doctrine..