State of Michigan considers Castle Doctrine, cops discount gun ban lobby

The Port Huron (MI) Times Herald is reporting that legislation introduced in the Michigan state House would allow residents who feel they are being threatened to use force against an intruder without facing criminal or civil prosecution.

From the story:

The legislation, introduced by state Reps. Tom Casperon, R-Escanaba, and Rick
Jones, R-Grand Ledge, will allow a resident to use whatever force they feel
necessary, including deadly force, if they feel threatened while someone is
committing a crime. The legislation is not clear what constitutes "being
threatened." It is in committee in the House.

The proposed legislation is similar to a Florida law, which took effect Oct.
1, that gives residents the right to defend themselves in public places.

Under Michigan's present law, people being attacked must first retreat before
responding.

"I wouldn't run away, it's my house," Turner said. "If I could get to a gun,
I would protect myself or my wife."

The gun ban lobby, having been throughly discredited after predictions about what would happen if Michigan passed concealed carry reform, seems no less willing to cry foul now than they ever were. Carolynn Jarvis, executive director of the Michigan Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence told the newspaper that "we don't have the death sentence in Michigan, and police can't kill someone
on sight, but we are going to empower the public to do that?"

But Ms. Jarvis and other gun ban extremists have a problem this go 'round...the police aren't singing their song.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

From the story:

Local police aren't worried gun violence will increase.

"People have a right to protect themselves," Port Huron Police Maj. James Carmody said. "I don't think this will change anything."

The story goes on to note that Michigan is one of several states considering such legislation. Florida's measure allows residents the right to defend themselves in public spaces, including on the street or in places of business. The Michigan
legislation specifies only homes and vehicles. Colorado has had a homeowner's protection act in place since 1985. The gun ban lobby's law enforcement "problem" is readdressed again as follows:

Police said they don't expect this law to change much.

"It really doesn't give homeowners any more rights than they do now, it just
clarifies the retreat clause," said Lt. Robert Yorke of the Michigan State
Police Richmond post. "It clarifies the right to self-defense."

Yorke said the uproar about the bill is similar to when Michigan passed its
concealed-weapon law and critics envisioned a "Wild West" scenario with people
shooting each other on the street. Gun violence has not increased because of it,
officials said.

"You haven't seen (any increase)," Yorke said. "This is the same thing. It's
not going to cause anyone to buy a gun, or lay in wait for someone to break in."

As is obviously the case in Michigan, officials are going to be much less ready to listen to the hystrics of the gun ban lobby now that concealed carry has proven to be such a success. Ohio's legislators, law enforcement officials, etc. should hold bear in mind the history of the Ohio gun ban lobby's false predictions as hearings begin on House Bill 347.