HerrGlock
06-20-2008, 08:00
http://www.advertiser-tribune.com/page/content.detail/id/506877.html?nav=5006
New law takes an advantage away from criminals
POSTED: June 20, 2008
Both houses of the Ohio General Assembly have passed a “Castle Doctrine” bill similar to those in place in many states. Gov. Ted Strickland, who supported the measure, is expected to sign the bill into law.
Opponents of the bill had warned it could grant criminals licenses to kill in some situations. Their criticism sounded much like that voiced over another measure, the concealed carry law, enacted four years ago.
But that law, fine-tuned to some extent by the new bill, did not result in the havoc critics predicted. They had warned the concealed carry law would make it easier for criminals to carry guns and to use them against police officers. But during the four years the law has been in existence, we have heard of few problems relating to it.
The same will be true of the “Castle Doctrine,” we believe. It merely codifies what many Buckeye State residents probably believed was the law anyway — that Ohioans have a right to kill attackers in self-defense, or in defense of their homes. Current law actually requires those facing such attackers must “retreat” before responding with deadly force.
For too long, criminals had an advantage over law-abiding citizens in Ohio. Both the “concealed carry” and “Castle Doctrine” measures take some of it away. Strickland and legislators were right to pursue the new measure.
New law takes an advantage away from criminals
POSTED: June 20, 2008
Both houses of the Ohio General Assembly have passed a “Castle Doctrine” bill similar to those in place in many states. Gov. Ted Strickland, who supported the measure, is expected to sign the bill into law.
Opponents of the bill had warned it could grant criminals licenses to kill in some situations. Their criticism sounded much like that voiced over another measure, the concealed carry law, enacted four years ago.
But that law, fine-tuned to some extent by the new bill, did not result in the havoc critics predicted. They had warned the concealed carry law would make it easier for criminals to carry guns and to use them against police officers. But during the four years the law has been in existence, we have heard of few problems relating to it.
The same will be true of the “Castle Doctrine,” we believe. It merely codifies what many Buckeye State residents probably believed was the law anyway — that Ohioans have a right to kill attackers in self-defense, or in defense of their homes. Current law actually requires those facing such attackers must “retreat” before responding with deadly force.
For too long, criminals had an advantage over law-abiding citizens in Ohio. Both the “concealed carry” and “Castle Doctrine” measures take some of it away. Strickland and legislators were right to pursue the new measure.
