BISMARCK — North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum signed a bill on Tuesday, April 20, that will significantly lower the legal bar for using deadly force in self-defense. The new law will go into effect on Aug. 1.
The so-called “stand-your-ground” legislation expands the existing “castle” law that permits the use of deadly force at one’s home or workplace but requires an effort to escape the attacker in public places unless one’s life is in danger. The new law eliminates the “duty to retreat” and allows the use of deadly force to prevent a violent felony in public or any other place a person is legally permitted to be.
North Dakotans are already legally justified under state law in using deadly force if they cannot escape a life-threatening attack.
Burgum celebrated the signing of the bill Tuesday, April 20, as an advancement of gun rights in the state.
“Over half of U.S. states have ‘stand your ground’ laws, and now, with HB 1498 signed, so does North Dakota,” Burgum said on Twitter. “We’ll always protect our 2nd Amendment rights and our state’s constitutional right ‘to keep and bear arms for the defense of their person, family, property, and the state.'”
Laura Ramirez talks about self-defense and gun safety with real estate agents on Sept. 18, 2018, in Fargo. David Samson / The Forum
Supporters of the bill, sponsored by West Fargo Republican Rep. Ben Koppelman, say it promotes victims’ rights to protect themselves from attackers and violent criminals in public. The legislation is a favorite of gun rights advocacy groups like the National Rifle Association, which called on Burgum to sign the bill.
Opponents of the legislation argue it opens the door to false claims of self-defense by bad actors who were never in danger of serious harm. Others say similar laws implemented elsewhere have proven to negatively impact people of color.
The state House of Representatives narrowly voted down a “stand-your-ground” bill in 2019, but at least 25 states, including Montana and South Dakota, already have laws that allow the use of deadly force before attempting to retreat, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Minnesota does not have a “stand-your-ground” law and requires that people in danger attempt to retreat before using deadly force.
821005 442741Pretty part of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact loved account your weblog posts. Any way Ill be subscribing on your feeds or even I success you access constantly rapidly. 843521
840961 430723wohh precisely what I was looking for, thankyou for putting up. 512822
357611 845399Wonderful! This blog looks just like my old 1! Its on a completely different subject but it has pretty significantly exactly the same layout and style. Wonderful choice of colors! 441770
438286 343834Thank you for your extremely good details and feedback from you. car dealers in san jose 521493
551307 467179I feel 1 of your ads triggered my internet browser to resize, you might want to put that on your blacklist. 485584
728708 25957Some genuinely nice and utilitarian information on this website, as effectively I believe the style has got excellent capabilities. 843829
8278 31116This really is actually intriguing, Ill take a look at your other posts! 773210
65686 402421There is an ending. Just remember that I meant for this to be an art game. I do feel like I spent an inordinate amount of time on the far more traditional gameplay elements, which might make the meaning of the game a bit unclear. If you mess about with it though, you will uncover it. 637647