CORNISH’S CASTLE DOCTRINE LEGISLATION STALLED IN HOUSE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

ST. PAUL – A measure authored by State Representative Tony Cornish (R-Good Thunder) allowing Minnesota citizens to protect themselves and their property from law-breaking criminals that break into a home, car, or business was defeated on a 9-9 tie in the House Public Safety Committee recently.
“The DFL holds a five seat majority on the committee, and nearly all of those members are from Minneapolis, St. Paul, or the Metro Area, so I’m not surprised the bill didn’t make it,” Cornish noted. “The Twin Cities liberals have opposed this legislation from the start, as they incorrectly believe this is another bill that will turn Minnesota into the ‘Wild West’. They said the same thing about our conceal and carry law, and they couldn’t have been more wrong.”
Cornish’s Castle Doctrine bill authorizes the use of deadly force against an unwanted attacker in an effort to allow Minnesota citizens to protect themselves and their property from law-breaking criminals that enter by stealth or force into their home, car or business. It creates the presumption that an attacker or intruder intends to do great bodily harm.
“Therefore force, including deadly force, may be used to protect yourself, your family and others in the face of attack,” Cornish said.
Cornish added that the bill would not allow a person to use force against police for entering their home for valid reasons. It also does not prohibit a person from criminal charges if a prosecutor believes the victim acted irresponsibly. However, the burden of proof falls to the prosecution.
“Criminals have no business breaking into the homes of law-abiding citizens and terrorizing them,” Cornish said. “We have the right to bear arms, and we should also have the option to use those arms if a robber or rapist threatens our safety.”
Cornish said the setback will not deter him from bringing up the legislation again this year.
“I’ll be looking for ways to attach this bill to other public safety bills later this year,” Cornish said. “Despite the setback, this bill is gaining plenty of momentum with the public and I will continue to advocate for passage of the Castle Doctrine at the State Capitol.”