A NEW LAW allowing homeowners to defend themselves in their home has come into effect today.
The Criminal Law (Defence and Dwelling) Act 2011 allows for a person to use reasonable force in defending their home in order to protect themselves and their property. The Act says that a person is not obligated to retreat from their home if there is an intruder.
The law was drafted in the aftermath of a heated national debate following the jailing of farmer Padraig Nally who shot dead John Ward on his premises in 2004. He later had his manslaughter conviction overturned.
Justice Minister Alan Shatter has said the law is “not a licence to kill” and advocates argue that the law allows for force in proportion to the threat someone perceives they are under. But the Irish Council for Civil Liberties says the law “insufficiently” protects the right to life for householders or intruders while some fear it could lead to intruders being more likely to carry weapons.
Today, we’re asking do you agree with the new law?
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