Shoot First in Texas?

Lawmakers in Texas would like to pass a bill that would allow the residents of that state to 'shoot first' when trying to protect their homes, cars, or businesses without first trying to prove they tried to flee. These bills are known as the "protect your castle" bills.

Author of the bill, Republican Joe Driver, defends his bill by stating, "If someone breaks in they're there to do you harm. Your car and your business are just an extension of your castle. This would make it so you can use whatever force necessary to protect yourself."

Opponents of this bill claim that the 'shoot first' bill will more than likely increase the number of mistaken identity accidents and wrongful deaths.

Advocates to curb violence from guns say that supporters of the "protect your castle" bill act as if people in Texas do not have a right to protect themselves without going to jail. They claim this is not the way it really is.

Right now, state laws in Texas state that, with some exception, Texans must try to retreat before they fire a weapon at an intruder or attacker. The castle bill would allow the victim to stand ground and protect his or her property as long as the intruder is entering with aggression. The castle bill will also eliminate the mental checklist that law-abiding citizens would normally have to go through before they fire a weapon at an intruder.

The bills would also eliminate a lawsuit if they choose to stand their ground. This has found widespread support with the Legislature, and is expected to pass. Fifteen other states have passed similar bills since Florida passed the original law in 2005.

One thing law makers want to make plain is that the law is to protect a person that is inside their home, car, or office and who feels their life is in danger. It is not for the person who witnesses someone breaking into his or her car in a parking lot.