Rewritten deadly force bill clears first committee (Alaska)

[shadowrider]

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - A rewritten bill expanding the right to use deadly force in self-defense cleared its first committee Monday. That's over the objection of the Department of Law, which maintains it will encourage unnecessary violence.

Current law authorizes use deadly force in self-defense to stop a few specific crimes, including robbery, sexual assault, kidnapping and murder. But if someone can safely withdraw, he's obligated to do so. That duty to retreat doesn't apply at home or the workplace.

Rep. Mark Neuman, a Republican from Big Lake, is the sponsor. His bill essentially eliminates the duty to retreat.

The bill now goes to the Finance Committee.

http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=12224278