Pa. House approves "Castle Doctrine" legislation and sends to the Senate for consideration

FROM PENNLIVE

The state House voted 159-38 to pass legislation that self-defense advocates have pushed that would generally allow the use of deadly force in a home or occupied vehicle to protect the occupants inside.

This so-called “Castle Doctrine” bill is named for the expression that “a man’s home is his castle.” According to the National Rifle Association’s website, 25 states have enacted versions of the Castle Doctrine.

“Pennsylvania needs this law to tip the scales in favor of the law abiding citizen who has a constitutional right to defend his or his family’s life and safety,” said Rep. Scott Perry, R-Dillsburg, who sponsored the House bill.

A Senate leadership source said if the House passed the bill, the Senate is likely to consider the bill before adjourning next week.

Gov. Ed Rendell was noncommittal when asked on Monday if he would sign the bill into law if it arrived on his desk.

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2010/10/pa_house_approves_castle_doctr.html