Expanding Self Defense In Tennessee
Looks like there’s a bill to expand the defense for deadly force in the works:
Representative Todd wants to build on an existing law passed back in 1999. In Tennessee you can already use deadly force if there is reasonable belief your life is in danger. But Todd wants to broaden that law and close what he calls loopholes. Giving the citizen every bit of legal protection when, if threatened, they can shoot to kill.
“I want to make sure its spelled out so there is no other interpretation but that, and I think that’s key,” said Todd.
It might be going too far since a firearms instructor isn’t too keen on the idea:
“Tennessee state law is already pretty much in favor of the individual,” said Chief Instructor at Range Master Tom Givens.
Givens says Tennessee gun laws are solid enough.
“I wouldn’t want to see it broadened to the point its ambiguous. Tennessee state law is pretty simple right now. It’s easy to teach, easy for the laymen to understand.”
February 13th, 2007 at 11:38 am
Reading legal documents makes my eyes hurt….
The only thing I’d like to see is the part where the good guy can’t be sued for legally using deadly force. It might be in there somewhere, but I don’t have the patience to look for it.
Other than that, I’m with Mr. Givins. It’s not broke, so don’t fix it.
On a side note, Collierville, where Rep Todd is from, has seen an upsurge in crime recently. Home invasions and such. I’m sure he’s responding as he sees fit.