imported post
Here is what I could find on the subject...
This law is typically referred to as a 'stand your ground' type law. Basically if someone is on your property and you fear bodily harm or a forcible felony, you can shoot them, immune from prosecution.
http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=5038475&nav=2CSf
Also, this story was from June 15, 2006 --- So I would think this would be a valid law still....
verify this information for youself.
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class="sectiontitle"Jackson 06/15/06
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By David Kenney
david@wlbt.net
Two homeowners have shot intruders on their properties this week. One was charged and released. The other faced no charges.
StartingJuly 1 homeowers will have a greater chance of avoiding prosecution in these types of shootings, when a new law goes into effect.
It's being called the 'Gunslinger' or 'Make My Day' law, giving homeowers the right to use defensive force to protect their property, without facing prosecution.
This week, Marcus Yokem was charged with aggravated assault, and released, after shooting a 15 year old, fleeing his property whom he thought was breaking in.
Other Jackson homeowners say they'd do the same.
Ira McDowell says, "I'd wouldn't ever want to kill anybody ifI was in a hurryI might try to wing them in the leg or something."
Jerry Harvey lives on Warner Avenue where another homeowner shot an intruder this week. He wasn't charged because the intruder was actuall inside his bedroom.
The new law would exent the boundaries of where people could shoot and be immune from criminal prosecution. Homeowners will have the right to use defensive force if they fear death or great bodily harm, anywhere on their property, whether it be at home, in a car, business or place of employment.
Jerry Harvey who also lives on Warner streeet says, "These people around here they have pistols and they're ready to shoot if you go in their house or mess with their vehicles, thats it."
Some Jackson residents believe the new law could more citizens to take the law into their own hands, not that they're already having to do so.
Ira McDowell says, "I worked all my life for my home and my cars and things paying all that high insurance then he come one day and tear it up take off with it nothing left to be done."
In both shootings the homeowners told police their homes had been broken into recently.