Sen. Terry Johnson Introduces Bill to Eliminate Duty to Retreat

SB 237 has been introduced by Senator Terry Johnson (R). The bill would eliminate the "duty to retreat" for victims of violent crime.

Johnson said, "Self-defense is a basic, natural human right. If a law abiding citizen is in mortal peril at the hands of an assailant, in addition to meeting the other criteria still required to prove self-defense, that victim should not have to bear the further burden of attempting to run away or retreat before defending their life."

The duty to retreat applies after a victim has met the criteria to establish self-defense. Only after a victim can articulate his/her assailant had the means, opportunity, and intent to kill them or do great bodily harm, does the duty to retreat come into play. It is therefore an illogical and unnecessary legal requirement.

The question before the General Assembly is whether victims of violent crimes should have duties or whether we all have the right to defend our own lives.

Buckeye Firearms Association has endorsed this important piece of legislation and urges its passage.