Tuesday, April 05, 2005
MITCH: TIME TO FLY SOUTH?
This just in, courtesy of our Florida correspondent:
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 prosecution or liability under a bill the House passed overwhelmingly Tuesday.
The measure (SB 436) passed 94-20. It had already passed the Senate and now heads to Gov. Jeb Bush, who said Tuesday that 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.
