Stand Your Ground Law: Take it to the streets ...

[misternormal]

I am curious about DUer's view on this subject.

Oklahomans' right to use deadly force in self-defense is about to be expanded from their own homes and into their vehicles, others' homes and just about anywhere they can lawfully be. The law is effective Nov. 1.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- "Stand Your Ground" legislation intended to allow Oklahomans to better protect themselves was signed into law Friday by Gov. Brad Henry.

Modeled after a Florida law, the measure expands the state's "Make My Day" law, which permits Oklahomans to use deadly force to protect themselves against intruders in their homes.

Beginning Nov. 1, that self-defense protection will be extended to vehicles, other dwellings and any other place a person has a lawful right to be.

The new law will guarantee immunity from criminal and civil action if the use of force is justified. However, it will not apply to deadly force used by people who are engaged in an unlawful activity or are using a dwelling, residence or vehicle to further an unlawful activity.

"This act will allow law-abiding Oklahomans to protect themselves, their loved ones and their property," the governor said.

More...

http://www.tulsaworld.com/NewsStory.asp?ID=060513_Ne_a1_takei

(Edited for punctuation)

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. I know what theoretically it should do

I know what in reality it will do.

The theory reduce crime

The practice, at least in my opinion it will increase the murder rate, as well as fire arm injury rates

[AndyTiedye]

3. It Will Allow Some People to Get Away With Murder

If you "look threatening", it's open season on you.

[Solo_in_MD]

4. Any evidence of that elsewhere

where they have similar laws? May be a bit early for much in the way of statistics.

[Botany]

2. Oklahoma where the wind comeswhipping through their brains.

The F-150 pick up truck protection act.


"Crimes such as carjackings and home invasions are on the rise, but citizens who defend themselves could face prosecution under the old law," Calvey said. "That's not right. Oklahomans shouldn't be forced to risk their lives on a legal technicality, and the 'Stand Your Ground' law makes it clear they have the right to defend themselves."

[Nicole]

7. Ohio Stand Your Ground Legislation Introduced

How about Ohio? Did they pass a similiar law? It was introduced.


Ohio Stand Your Ground Legislation Introduced
Written by Jeff Garvas
Tuesday, 21 March 2006

Representative Buehrer has introduced House Bill 541, long overdue Florida style legislation that defines deadly force, defines that someone attempting to break into your home, vehicle, or residence is presumed to be intent on harming you, defines force, deadly force, and defensive force. HB541 even goes so far as to state: a person authorized to use deadly force or defensive force intended or likely to cause death or serious physical harm generally does not have a duty to retreat.


http://www.ohioccw.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3560&Itemid=83

[The Jacobin]

5. And their property?

I am not aware that we have ever allowed deadly force to be used to protect property only.

Does this law change that in OK? Can you start blasting at the kid who is spraypainting your fence?

[Nicole]

6. It appears to be the latest trend

A year-old Florida law sanctioning the use of deadly force to defend against muggers, carjackers or other assailants outside the home is rapidly being adopted by other states and already is being raised as a defense in at least three shootings in Florida.

Six states -- Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi and South Dakota --- already have followed Florida’s lead in enacting the controversial "stand your ground" laws, and Arizona and Idaho have adopted slightly less strict versions of the law.

Similar bills are pending in 16 other states, including in Michigan, where the state House on a 91-to-15 vote on April 25 sent a measure to the Republican-controlled state Senate.


http://www.stateline.org/live/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=136&languageId=1&contentId=107276