Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

by **OakRidgeStars** » Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:25:29

Here's the best way to keep track of gun bills in the General Assembly during the 2010 session. This tracker is updated every day the GA is in session.

http://www.vcdl.org/static/2010leg.html

by **Username** » Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:17:37

This. Is. Awesome!

Quick question, is HB251 an attempt at castle law?

Self-defense and defense of others. Provides that any person who lawfully occupies a dwelling is justified in using any degree of physical force, including deadly physical force, against another person when the other person has unlawfully entered the dwelling, has committed an overt act toward the occupant or another person in the dwelling, and the occupant reasonably believes he or another person in the dwelling is in imminent danger of bodily injury. The bill also provides that a person who uses justifiable force against an intruder shall be immune from civil liability for injuries or death of the other person.

VCDL Comments
This bill prevents a person who has to use justifiable deadly force to protect innocent life, from being sued civilly. Such lawsuits can financially destroy the life of someone who has done nothing wrong.

by **OakRidgeStars** » Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:29:53

It's a component of what would be considered "castle doctrine" in most states. Virginia already allows a person to "stand their ground", but that doesn't prevent them from possible civil actions after the fact. If passed, this would give the victim more rights than the criminal for a change.

by **zephyp** » Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:31:40

Good deal, Jay. Exactly what the doctor ordered.

by **zephyp** » Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:35:17

Username wrote:This. Is. Awesome!

Quick question, is HB251 an attempt at castle law?

This is only part of castle doctrine. I think there is another one out there named castle doctrine, but it leaves out a key component - your castle should be wherever you have a legal right to be - not just your home.

by **VBshooter** » Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:42:35

Here is another one that does cover the "anywhere " but VCDL indicates it is not strongly behind it due to it;s language. Apparently a lot of red tape stuff in there;

VCDL Supports

HB 854, Delegate Morefield, Castle Doctrine bill that protects a
citizen who has to use force, including deadly force, either inside
his residence or anywhere else he can legally be, from a civil
lawsuit. Because of the bill’s wording requiring “proportionate
force,” which puts too much “Monday morning quarterbacking” into the
equation, this bill is supported, but not strongly supported.