Michigan Senate approves self-defense bills
6/6/2006, 12:07 p.m. ET
By DAVID EGGERT
The Associated Press
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The state Senate approved legislation Tuesday aimed at fortifying and clarifying self-defense rights in Michigan.
The measures would allow people to use deadly force, with no duty to retreat, if they reasonably think they face imminent death, great bodily harm or sexual assault. They could use deadly force on their property or anywhere they have a legal right to be.
The legislation also would protect people from civil lawsuits if they have used force in self-defense.
The six-bill package is backed by the National Rifle Association but opposed by anti-gun groups. The Senate voted 28-10 and 30-8 to pass two bills, and plans to pass the other bills in the package Wednesday.
Critics of the legislation have said it is dangerous and not needed because prosecutors already do not charge a person who has justifiably used deadly force to protect themselves.
"We're creating a wild west mentality in this state and I oppose it," said Sen. Liz Brater, an Ann Arbor Democrat who voted against the bills.
But Sen. Alan Cropsey, a DeWitt Republican and sponsor of one bill, cited a case where an Eaton County woman was sued after defending her husband during an attack. She won the suit but incurred legal expenses.
"This type of nonsense needs to end," said Cropsey, adding that much of the legislation codifies existing judge-made law.
Two bills now go to the House, which already has approved earlier versions of some bills.
Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm has expressed concerns that the scope of the House legislation was too broad.
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The self-defense bills are House Bills 5142-43, 5153 and 5548; and Senate Bills 1046 and 1185.
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6/6/2006, 12:07 p.m. ET
By DAVID EGGERT
The Associated Press
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The state Senate approved legislation Tuesday aimed at fortifying and clarifying self-defense rights in Michigan.
The measures would allow people to use deadly force, with no duty to retreat, if they reasonably think they face imminent death, great bodily harm or sexual assault. They could use deadly force on their property or anywhere they have a legal right to be.
The legislation also would protect people from civil lawsuits if they have used force in self-defense.
The six-bill package is backed by the National Rifle Association but opposed by anti-gun groups. The Senate voted 28-10 and 30-8 to pass two bills, and plans to pass the other bills in the package Wednesday.
Critics of the legislation have said it is dangerous and not needed because prosecutors already do not charge a person who has justifiably used deadly force to protect themselves.
"We're creating a wild west mentality in this state and I oppose it," said Sen. Liz Brater, an Ann Arbor Democrat who voted against the bills.
But Sen. Alan Cropsey, a DeWitt Republican and sponsor of one bill, cited a case where an Eaton County woman was sued after defending her husband during an attack. She won the suit but incurred legal expenses.
"This type of nonsense needs to end," said Cropsey, adding that much of the legislation codifies existing judge-made law.
Two bills now go to the House, which already has approved earlier versions of some bills.
Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm has expressed concerns that the scope of the House legislation was too broad.
___
The self-defense bills are House Bills 5142-43, 5153 and 5548; and Senate Bills 1046 and 1185.
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