Current law

April 29, 2011 at 1:02AM

•A person is permitted to use deadly force to prevent a felony or great bodily harm or death.

•Person must have a "reasonable belief" that someone has entered his/her dwelling "by force or stealth" and there is "a duty to retreat" first.

•Burden of proof falls on the individual claiming self-defense.

PROPOSED LAW

•Would eliminate the "duty to retreat" before using deadly force.

•Broadens the definition of "dwelling" to anywhere an individual is temporarily residing, including a motor vehicle, boat, motor home or tent.

•Reverses the burden of proof, requiring a prosecutor to prove the individual did not act in lawful self-defense.

PATRICIA LOPEZ

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