Dear Mr. or Ms. Bad Person,

The time has finally come that the “shoe is on the other foot”.

For many, many years it was my responsibility to prove myself “justified” in using lethal force when you broke into my castle in the wee hours of the night. If you were injured, maimed, or even killed while you performed your illegal activities, you or your family could sue me personally for your injuries or death while you were robbing by castle. It would cost me many thousands of dollars to prove myself “justified” in using lethal force to stop you from hurting, killing, or raping members of my family AND perhaps many more thousands of dollars paying you or your family for your illegal deeds.

Effective September 9th, 2008 I am no longer be forced to prove myself “justified” in using lethal force when you illegally enter my castle. The burden of proof of innocence will now be place upon YOU!

The Cincinnati Enquirer has published a poorly-worded and erroneous article about the implementation of Ohio's Castle Doctrine bill, Senate Bill 184, and the Associated Press wire service has picked up the story and replicated a significant error at news outlets across the state and beyond.

From the original Enquirer story, by Jennifer Baker:

Changes take effect Monday that will make it easier for people to carry concealed firearms and clear confusion over parts of the four-year-old law.

Some significant changes:

People can wear a concealed holstered weapon in cars. The "plain sight" requirement was removed.

It is true that the law was intended to clear confusion, but media reports like this are not going to help.

The 'plain sight' car carry requirement was addressed two years ago, in House Bill 347, and concealed handgun license-holders have been able to conceal a loaded, holstered handgun in a motor vehicle since that time.

Despite the fact that this exact issue was debated ad nauseum in the anti-gun media at the time, the Cincinnati Enquirer reporter, the Associated Press, and every news outlet which has picked up the AP story have falsely reported that the change has just occurred via SB184.