Rendell vetoes self-defense bill
Gov. Ed Rendell vetoed a bill Saturday that would have expanded a citizens' rights to defend themselves when attacked.
The bill would have broadened the so-called "Castle Doctrine," which gives citizens the right to defend themselves without attempting to flee when attacked in the home. The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Scott Perry, R-Dillsburg, would have expanded the law so that it applied outside homes.
In his letter outlining his veto, Rendell said, "I have grave concerns with the expansion included in this legislation."
The governor said that the bill as proposed "encourages the use of deadly force, even when safe retreat is available."
Perry had said that he had heard from many constituents on the issue, and that most favored the expansion of the Castle Doctrine.
"We're talking about the rights of law-abiding, free citizens to defend themselves," Perry told The Patriot-News earlier this month.
Dauphin County District Attorney Edward Marsico had opposed the bill. Earlier this month, he told The Patriot-News that it was a "solution in search of a problem." He said law-abiding citizens aren't getting charged for defending themselves from attackers, so there is no need to change the law.
Rendell's veto may only delay efforts to expand the law. The governor leaves office in January, and Gov.-elect Tom Corbett has said that he would be willing to sign legislation to expand the Castle Doctrine.
Rendell also vetoed another bill Saturday that would have blocked access to coroners' records from public view and inspection.
The Associated Press contribued to this report.
No comments:
Post a Comment