State Representative T.R. Rowe (R-123) today expressed his support for legislation before the Judiciary Committee that creates the presumption that it is reasonable to use deadly physical force to defend oneself in the event of a home invasion. Rep. Rowe, a member of the Judiciary Committee, heard testimony on the legislation before the committee today.
“When someone unlawfully invades your private residence when you are home it is entirely reasonable to expect that your life is in danger,” said Rep. Rowe. “There should be no restriction on individuals to protect their lives and that of their family, and deadly physical force can be necessary if the choice is their life or yours.”
Current law allows for the use of deadly physical force to prevent the commission of arson or a crime of violence if it is reasonably believed that such force is warranted. The bill establishes this presumption upon the commission of the home invasion or criminal trespass that such reasonable belief is created by the mere commission of the act.
“Current law seems to be suggesting that individuals need to be able to make some sort of proper assessment of the intruding individual and circumstances before the judgment can be made to use deadly physical force,” said Rep. Rowe. “That seems to be a bit much to expect someone to do under circumstances which are almost certainly placing their lives in danger.”
The bill, SB 1210, An Act Concerning the Use of Deadly Physical Force to Defend the Residents of a Home will need to be approved by the Judiciary Committee before the entire legislature can take it up. This session of the Connecticut General Assembly adjourns at midnight on June 8th, 2011.
Your SB1210 clarifies the legislation currently in place.
Best Regards,
Paul J Denhup