Thursday, July 24, 2008
The General Assembly is not in session.
Tracking Virginia’s General Assembly
since 2007.
HB2458: Self defense; person is justified using physical force when person enters dwelling unlawfully.
Chief Patron
Del.
Ben Cline (R-24)
Ben Cline
(R-24)
Amherst, VA
Served: 2002–
Progress
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Introduced |
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Passed Committee |
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Passed House |
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Passed Senate |
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Signed by Governor |
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Became Law |
Status
Bill is Dead
Summary
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 harm. 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.
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Poll Results
5 votes
Comments
This is a good bill. It boggles the mind that someone could break into my home and threaten my life/safety and then be able to turn around and sue me for defending myself! Even if my actions were TOTALLY justified, I can still be punished. I could lose everything trying to defend myself in a court of law. This bill will prevent that from happening. Would be criminals will think long and hard before breaking into someone's home. This law is only common sense and it is well past time that common sense be applied to this situation. If you want to increase your safety and reduce crime, support this bill.