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13/01/2012
Law Allows 'Reasonable Force' Against Intruders
The Minister for Justice has announced the Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) will come into effect from today.
The new law will allow homeowners to use reasonable force to defend themselves against intruders.
Mr Alan Shatter said: "It recognises in a very practical manner the special constitutional status of a person’s dwelling and makes it clear that a person may use reasonable force to defend themselves in their home.
"If they believed their life was at risk; if they believed the life of a member of their family was at risk - the answer is yes.
"But if you saw someone, for example, in your front garden, and decided simply to take aim and fire - in no circumstances would that be appropriate unless that individual themselves was, by their conduct, posing a very severe threat."
(CD/GK)
The new law will allow homeowners to use reasonable force to defend themselves against intruders.
Mr Alan Shatter said: "It recognises in a very practical manner the special constitutional status of a person’s dwelling and makes it clear that a person may use reasonable force to defend themselves in their home.
"If they believed their life was at risk; if they believed the life of a member of their family was at risk - the answer is yes.
"But if you saw someone, for example, in your front garden, and decided simply to take aim and fire - in no circumstances would that be appropriate unless that individual themselves was, by their conduct, posing a very severe threat."
(CD/GK)
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