Florida gun law change

[Demerzel]

from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4415135.stm

A law letting people in Florida kill in self-defence on the street without first trying to flee an attacker has been passed by Florida politicians.

Florida law already allows people to shoot a potential attacker in their home, place of work or car.

But until now, courts insisted that anyone confronted in a public place should first try to run away.

Critics of the law say it will bring a Wild West attitude to Florida - magnet to hundreds of thousands of tourists.

One critic said all the measure would do is sell more guns and turn the state into a modern version of the OK Corral.

The bill has been heavily backed by the National Rifle Association, the lobbying group which defends the rights of Americans to carry guns.

Dennis Baxley, the Republican sponsor of the Stand Your Ground bill said it was about meeting force with force.

"If I'm attacked, I should not have to retreat," he said.

The bill has already passed the Florida Senate and is expected to be signed into law by Governor Jeb Bush, the president's brother.

Hmm, can allowing people to shoot others more freely be a good thing? Discuss! Nicely mind

[Zoid]

You want a piece of me, huh punk?? Then you have to deal with my friends Smith & Wesson as well! Go ahead punk, make my day!

[Sikander]

I agree with the law in general. Why should you have to turn your back to your assailant? If you are being attacked with deadly force (which makes your use of a gun legal for self defense in the first place) then it makes sense to get rid of the language which forces you to attempt to flee first, as in some cases one might have to forfeit their life in order to meet the provisions of the law.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

In related news, Michael Schaivo conceded today that his wife Terri had indeed been conscious these last 15 years, but that she had been trying to attack him the whole time.

[alva]

The bill has been heavily backed by the National Rifle Association,

Who would have thunked??!!
Darn, these buggers keep surprising us, don't they.

[Zoid]

Come to beautiful Florida. Hunting season for punks is all year around. You don´t even need a license!

[molly bloom]

Could they not just bring in law mandating every Floridian to wear a target ?


Should make it much easier for those spontaneous Dodge City and Tombstone reenactments. And save a few tourist lives...

[alva]

FPS gets a whole different meaning now.

[molly bloom]

Originally posted by alva
FPS

C'est quoi, cet emission ?

[Kuciwalker]

First Person Shooter.

[child of Thor]

one thing to remember is that many americans take fire-arms training camps etc. So i'm kind of thinking if you've got well trained and disciplined people with guns, then maybe the only people who need to be afraid are the criminals?

[chequita guevara]

My state's politicians are such whores.

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by child of Thor
one thing to remember is that many americans take fire-arms training camps etc. So i'm kind of thinking if you've got well trained and disciplined people with guns, then maybe the only people who need to be afraid are the criminals?

A lady in the library decided she was afraid of me the other day, because I was standing next to her while I was looking for an encylopedia. She got belligerent and hostile and claimed I looked just like the guy who raped her a few weeks ago. I'm so glad that now she'll be able to shoot me first.

[child of Thor]

ok there is that small worry.

Surely crazy people cant get a liscense easily? there must be checks on firearm carrying peoples stability/mental health etc?

your going to tell me no arn't you

[chequita guevara]

I have no idea how easy it is for crazy people to get a gun. I've never tried to get one.

edit: IIRC, we also have a concealed carry law.