Castle Doctrine question

[gunsrfun1]

I'm relatively new to PA. I read that "Castle Doctrine" legislation, House Bill 641, was introduced in the PA legislature last year. Can someone tell me what became of it. Does PA have a "Castle Doctrine"? Just the facts please, no legal opinions. Thanks

[tes151]

I believe the bill is still stuck in comittee because of a lack of votes to pass it right now.

[ohsee]

There is no castle doctrine law in place in PA. There are provisions in the code for self-defense, but it is not like a castle doctrine law.

http://members.aol.com/StatutesP8/18PA507.html

That covers most of the info about the provisions I mentioned. I got most of this info from here as well.

[headcase]

Pa does have a "castle doctrine". It relieves the home owner of the duty to retreat, when confronted in the home. What you are referring to, is a bill designed to relieve a person of the duty to flee outside the home, as in anywhere they happen to be confronted.

[gunsrfun1]

Two entirely conflicting answers. Which of you two is really right?

[headcase]

Two entirely conflicting answers. Which of you two is really right?

PM Pa. Patriot and ask him directly, he will quote you the statutes I am sure.

ETA~ The statute quoted above my response is the correct one. 505 and 506 deal with use of force outside the home, and if you read them, there is a duty to retreat if possible, outside the home. No such duty exists inside the home.

[gnbrotz]

I'm going to presume to know the correct answer to this one, and let the gorilla swat me if he must.

Currently, you have no duty to retreat in your home or business. The pending legislation would extend that protection to anywhere you are legally permitted to be. Many, many people, including pro-gun people helping to push this new legislation, mistakenly (IMO) refer to it as "Castle Doctrine". We already have this. The new bill would be more properly called "Stand Your Ground", as it applies to more than just your "castle".

[Pro2A]

Pa does have a "castle doctrine". It relieves the home owner of the duty to retreat, when confronted in the home. What you are referring to, is a bill designed to relieve a person of the duty to flee outside the home, as in anywhere they happen to be confronted.

So if I'm at home eating dinner and someone in a ski mask kicks in the front door, I can shoot first and ask questions later, and not have to run and hide in my room?

[headcase]

So if I'm at home eating dinner and someone in a ski mask kicks in the front door, I can shoot first and ask questions later, and not have to run and hide in my room?

IANAL

Yes. Old guy shot drunk guy who was banging on the door, through the door, and got off.

[gnbrotz]

IANAL

Yes.

I agree.

Old guy shot drunk guy who was banging on the door, through the door, and got off.

True, but I would never suggest shooting through the door (unless it's clear and you can identify your target with it closed). And I'm sure headcase wasn't or wouldn't suggest this either.