A Senate measure would allow the display of a gun in order to warn away a potential attack.
CONCORD, N.H. - Displaying a gun to warn a potential attacker away would not be considered a crime under a bill to soften New Hampshire's law on deadly force.
The Senate votes Wednesday on the bill that would make it legal to respond to a threat by displaying a gun. It is more limited than an earlier bill that would have expanded the use of deadly force, which was vetoed by Gov. John Lynch in 2006. That proposal would have allowed the use of deadly force in public whenever someone felt threatened.
Lynch's office was noncommittal about the new version Friday.
"The governor will be reviewing the bill and talking with the attorney general's office and law enforcement about it," spokesman Colin Manning said.
Current law requires people in public places to try to retreat to safety before resorting to deadly force in self defense. Deadly force is permitted to protect against certain crimes and when an intruder enters the person's home.
The Senate Judiciary Committee recommends passing the bill.
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CONCORD, N.H. - Displaying a gun to warn a potential attacker away would not be considered a crime under a bill to soften New Hampshire's law on deadly force.
The Senate votes Wednesday on the bill that would make it legal to respond to a threat by displaying a gun. It is more limited than an earlier bill that would have expanded the use of deadly force, which was vetoed by Gov. John Lynch in 2006. That proposal would have allowed the use of deadly force in public whenever someone felt threatened.
Lynch's office was noncommittal about the new version Friday.
"The governor will be reviewing the bill and talking with the attorney general's office and law enforcement about it," spokesman Colin Manning said.
Current law requires people in public places to try to retreat to safety before resorting to deadly force in self defense. Deadly force is permitted to protect against certain crimes and when an intruder enters the person's home.
The Senate Judiciary Committee recommends passing the bill.
READ MORE