Letters: Clear up stand-your-ground questions

Most people are familiar with the ancient principle that the individual’s home is his castle. If attacked there, he need not retreat. Even the king could not enter the cottage of the most humble peasant without a warrant.

It’s a concept the General Assembly codified in the castle doctrine.

Recently the state Supreme Court asked legislators to better define the stand-your-ground law, which extends the castle doctrine beyond the home. This law provides the right to use self-defense without fear of prosecution or civil action anywhere you have a legal right to be, as long as you are behaving lawfully.

I ask the General Assembly to provide the clarity the court seeks so there is no question that it is proper for law-abiding citizens to protect themselves, their families and others from attack.

This story was originally published June 1, 2016 at 5:08 PM with the headline "Letters: Clear up stand-your-ground questions."