Titled: Michigan Bills would allow deadly force on intruders

Michigan residents could fatally shoot someone who breaks into their home or vehicle without facing criminal or civil prosecution under legislation introduced Wednesday.

The two-bill package would assume that a person who forcibly enters or intrudes in a home or occupied vehicle intends to kill or hurt the owner or occupant.

Although I think it is ridiculous that we need our legislatures permission to defend ourselves. I am happy they are writing it specifically into Michigan law.

The bills also would eliminate the requirement that people who are being attacked have to retreat before responding, as long as they're in a place they legally have a right to be.

Republican Reps. Tom Casperson of Escanaba and Rick Jones of Grand Ledge introduced the bills. They said the legislation will prevent residents from having to worry about whether they are justified in using force to defend their families and property.

"This legislation makes it clear that you will not be prosecuted or sued for defending your life, family or property in your own home," Casperson said in a written statement. "This will prevent criminals or their families from suing victims for injury or death."

That sounds about right. Of course not everyone in Michigan agrees with it or shares my enthusiasm for this legislation.

Carolynne Jarvis of the Michigan Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence criticized the legislation. She was an outspoken opponent of a 2001 law that made it easier to get a license to carry a concealed weapon in Michigan.

"When concealed carry was expanded in Michigan, the rational was that guns only would be used as a last result. This is basically saying guns are going to be the first resort," she said. "It's more likely you're going to end up shooting your son coming home late from a date ... than you are an intruder."

Sound familiar? Its the same kind of nonsense we heard back when the whole CCW debate started. The MCRGO has more info here.