Pennsylvania can disarm domestic abuse defendants

[rainbow4321]

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/nation/stories/DN-domesticabuse_17nat.ART.State.Edition1.22bb652c.html

Gun control is a hard sell in this state, where hunting is a deeply ingrained tradition. But thanks to an unusual political partnership, judges are getting new powers to disarm domestic violence defendants.

A law set to take effect in May will allow courts to force people accused of domestic violence under protection-from-abuse orders to give up all their guns.

Most states have similar statutes, but it's a big change for Pennsylvania, where the Legislature has long been a champion of gun owners' rights. For nearly 30 years, courts have been able to force domestic-violence defendants to surrender only those weapons they have used or threatened to use against a victim.

"If you are law-abiding and you have never threatened anyone with a gun, you don't have to worry about this law," said Rep. Katie True, a Lancaster County Republican and NRA member who sponsored the bill.

[qanda]

1. I hope so

One of my friends in PA was killed because her abuser came after her, kidnapped her and shot her. Here's a link to the story. RIP Andrea-- I think about you often.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/news/s_190200.html

[rainbow4321]

6. I'm so sorry about your friend...

I hope this new law will prevent another person from going thru what she and her children did.

Local domestic violence groups need to monitor the law to keep any loopholes from being added to it later...a watered down law isn't going to help the victims/families.

[ninkasi]

9. That is tragic

I'm so sorry about your friend Andrea. I hope her children are doing well, in spite of their terrible loss.

[qanda]

2. Kick for Andrea

I believe her case played a role in having this come about.

:kick:

[Conservativesux]

3. Nothing new in California. The courts mandate this often here.

No need to let guns stay in the hands of someone who may use it to commit a crime.

Its probably saved many men from going to prison for murder, instead of spousal abuse.

[Porcupine]

4. Yah, Guilty until proven innocent is the standard in these cases.....

so we might as well start the punishment early.

[Conservativesux]

5. So we should let proven violent offenders own guns, and kill people?

That makes NO sense to me at all.

[Moosepoop]

10. This doesn't affect only "proven violent offenders".

All it takes is the accusation. The people involved are defendants, not convicts. I'm not advocating that violent people should be given guns, I'm just saying that there's an argument to be made against depriving someone of their rights due to an accusation rather than a conviction. The intent of this law is good, I'm not sure the application always would be.

[SoCalDem]

8. But in most places, if you have $100, you can get a gun in about 30 min.

Guys who want guns will always get them..:(

[HuffleClaw]

7. like its gonna make one bit of difference

the asshole will just use a hammer or his fists. but i certainly agree with the idea. good idea, and i love the fact an NRA member sponsored the bill. nice to see they ALL aren't complete nuts.