Self-defense signed

Governor Granholm just signed the stand your ground bills into law. From MCRGO:

Michigan's Governor signs Castle Doctrine Package into Law!
2006/07/20

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July 20, 2006

We once again thank our Legislators/MCRGO Directors whom led the charge in moving this through the Capitol. Please take a moment to join with us in extending our appreciation to:

Senator/MCRGO Director Alan Cropsey
State Representative/MCRGO Director Tom Casperson
State Representative/MCRGO Director Joel Sheltrown
and of course, State Representative Rick Jones also deserves our thanks. His willingness to work towards language key stakeholders could support was important.

We'd also like to thank the NRA for their help in the critical stage. From the day he hit the ground last winter, Mr. Darin Goens--Michigan's NRA representative--was thoroughly professional and effective.

We appreciate all that he--and the Legislators listed here--continue to do for responsible gunowners across Michigan!

Here are the details:

Ø SB 1046, sponsored by Sen. Alan Cropsey, outlines rebuttal presumptions for justified use of self-defense. The bill makes it clear that there is no “duty to retreat” if a person is in a place where they have a legal right to be.

Ø SB 1185, sponsored by Sen. Ron Jelinek, allows for the award of court and attorney fees in civil cases where it was determined a person acted in accordance with the Self Defense Act and where civil immunities apply.

Ø HB 5548, sponsored by Rep. Tim Moore, gives civil immunities to persons acting in accordance with the Self Defense Act, preventing criminals and their families from suing law-abiding citizens.

Ø HB 5153, sponsored by Rep. Leslie Mortimer, puts the burden of proof on the prosecutor to show that a person acted unlawfully in the application of force, rather than the person using the force having to prove they acted lawfully.

Ø HB 5142, sponsored by Rep. Tom Casperson, expands the definition of “dwelling” to include a person’s garage, barn, backyard, etc.

Ø HB 5153, sponsored by Rep. Rick Jones, creates the Self Defense Act and specifies that it is not a crime to use force or deadly force to defend oneself if that person is not breaking any laws when defensive force was used. The person must be facing imminent threat of death or great bodily harm.

Congratulations, Michigan!