Missouri's "Use Of Justified Force" Strengthened

Missouri Senator Jack Goodman helped pass legislation that allows a homeowner to protect themselves more freely against intruders. Previous law stated that if a forcible felony intruder enters your home and you shoot them, you could be held liable. Not anymore. Since the bill passed, you can shoot an intruder without being sued to pay medical expenses. In the bill, it specifically states: "A person who uses justified force shall have an absolute defense to criminal prosecution or civil liability for the use of such force. The court shall award attorney's fees, court costs and all reasonable expenses incurred by the defendant in defense of any civil action brought by the plaintiff if the court finds that the defendant has an absolute defense."

Here's a copy of the bill summary: http://www.Senate.Mo.Gov/07info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=108

Unfortunately the police aren't our 24-hour personal bodyguards. So there's nothing wrong with owning firearms; as long as you're responsible. I'm a registered gun owner and own a couple. My personal favorite is the Beretta 9mm Compact 9000S (Type D): http://www.Beretta.com/index.aspx?m=74&idc=2&ids=22

Being a registered gun owner makes me feel safer especially when news bulletins like this are posted on our MLS:

CRIMINAL ALERT!! Yesterday afternoon a 49 year old white male, 5'11, 187 lbs with a light mustache and blonde hair, pulled a gun on an agent in a home she was showing him and demanded all her money. He took her money, credit cards, wedding ring, cell phone, etc. Then handcuffed her to the pole in the basement and then fled in a blue 4 door car, with license plate number 1AW95M. He gave her the name of Mathew Doolin, which turns out to be an alias that he has used before. According to the police he is wanted all over the country and his real name is Mathew E. Wilson. He had found the agent from her picture in a Harmon Homes magazine. He told her he was in town from Las Vegas for a funeral and wanted to buy a house. If anyone has any information please call Sergeant Walters in St. Charles, Missouri at 636-949-3020.