From: John <shoot4ever@gmail.com>
Subject: For those not on the NRA ILA alerts list
(of course in Texas we already have this right :) )
John
FLORIDA ONCE AGAIN BREAKS NEW GROUND ON SELF-DEFENSE--
Governor Bush Signs "Castle Doctrine"
Florida, which nearly two decades ago served as the model for the nation's
"shall issue" Right-to-Carry laws (now in effect in 38 states), has once
again broken new ground in the area of self-defense.
On April 26, with former NRA President Marion P. Hammer looking on,
Governor Jeb Bush (R) signed into law a bill that will allow Floridians to
forcefully defend themselves against attackers without first having to try
to escape. In a ceremony at the State Capitol, Bush signed SB-436--
Florida's "Castle Doctrine"--into law. Sponsored by Senator Durell Peaden
(R-2) and Representative Dennis Baxley (R-24), the bill unanimously passed
the Senate (39-0) and overwhelmingly passed in the House ( 94-20).
Prior to signing this NRA-backed bill, Governor Bush said, "It's a good,
common sense, anti-crime issue."
The "Castle Doctrine" simply says that if a criminal breaks into your home,
your occupied vehicle, or your place of business, you may presume he or she
is there to do bodily harm and you may use necessary force against him or
her.
It also removes the "duty to retreat" if you are attacked in any place you
have a right to be, allowing you to stand your ground and fight back,
meeting force with force, if you reasonably believe it is necessary to
prevent death or great bodily harm to yourself or others.
Furthermore, this law provides protection from criminal prosecution and
civil litigation for those who defend themselves from criminal attack and
prohibits criminals and their families from suing victims for injuring or
killing their criminal attackers.
Marion P. Hammer, current Executive Director of Unified Sportsmen of
Florida, said: "Existing law is on the side of the criminal. The new law is
on the side of the law-abiding victim. To suggest that you can't defend
yourself against a rapist who's trying to drag you into an alley or against
a car jacker who's trying to drag you out of your car is nonsense. The
ability to protect yourself, your children, or your spouse is important, no
matter where you are."
In conclusion, Hammer said, "I want to thank Governor Bush and the bill
sponsors, Senator Peaden and Representative Baxley, for supporting this
vital measure. This law is about affirming that your home is your castle
and, in Florida, you have a right to be absolutely safe inside its walls."
The law will take effect on October 1, 2005.
Keep an eye out on future Grassroots Alerts for information on similar
legislation introduced in your state!
Congratulations and special thanks to all NRA members and gun owners who
made phone calls and sent letters and e-mails in favor of this common-
sense legislation.
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