Capitol Review
Mendota Heights Legislators Oppose Expansion of 'Castle Doctrine'
The controversial bill could be sent to the governor's desk this week.
The Minnesota Senate passed a bill last Thursday lowering the threshold for use of deadly force by civilians, an expansion of Minnesota law commonly known as the "castle doctrine." Both Rep. Rick Hansen (D-South St. Paul) and Sen. Jim Metzen (D-South St. Paul) have voted against the proposal. Metzen and other opposition refer to the proposal as the “shoot-first bill.” “I think there’s enough laws and regulations on the books today,” said Metzen. “This is really loosely written.” The castle doctrine already in law allows use of deadly force to prevent a felony from happening in one’s home. Under the proposed language, called the Defense of Dwelling and Person Act, that lawful use of force is expanded beyond the home, and emphasis is put …
Linda Brown
8:56 pm on Monday, March 5, 2012
Understand, but I hope an innocent bystander is not in the same parking lot and a bullet goes astray. I understand both sides, just uncomfortable with more weapons out there as you always have to take into account kids getting a hold of weapons and harming themselves or others. Would be curious the percentage of guns in homes that actually protect people from bad situations, versus how many of … more ›