Laws on Deadly Force Vary on Both Sides of River
The fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin has brought Florida’s “stand your ground” law into the spotlight. Similar laws exist in the Tri-state area, but with small variations across state lines. Ohio uses the “castle doctrine,” while Kentucky and Indiana use “stand your ground.”
A 2010 case, involving 60-year-old Ralph Powers, illustrates Ohio’s castle doctrine. Powers was not charged after he shot and killed 20-year-old intruder Jeremy Pierce Hibbett.
“You can protect yourself, and the police have to prove otherwise,” said former prosecuting attorney Jason Phillabaum.
He said deadly force may be used in self-defense during life-threatening situations in Ohio.
Continue reading at WLWT Another good reason to make sure you’re familiar with the law in any state you carry in. You don’t take your state statutes with you.