Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Saturday, March 10, 2012
(STATEHOUSE) - Legislators have voted to undo a controversial Indiana Supreme Court decision on warrantless police entry.
On the final day of the legislative session, the House and Senate moved to explicitly include unlawful conduct by police as just cause for a homeowner to use reasonable force to defend his home.
Last year, the court rejected the idea of a right to use force against police, declaring the proper remedy was a lawsuit. Law enforcement groups, led by the National Fraternal Order of Police, have warned the bill will encourage violence against officers.
Democratic Representative Linda Lawson, a former Hammond police officer, says she's already received taunting emails from people boasting they'll be able to kill her.
Supporters maintain the FOP is misreading the bill. They say it actually strengthens protections for police, since the self-defense law has never before included any exceptions. The bill would exclude police, as long as they're acting lawfully.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.