Local gun owners see castle law as 'common sense'

AKRON -- Local gun owners and prosecutors are downplaying the impact of the state's new "castle" law, but they agree that its passage supports those who resort to self-defense.

"Makes me feel a whole lot better," said David Little of Barberton, a gun owner who vows to protect his home against intruders. "Any and all that protects my rights, I'm all for."

While Governor Ted Strickland signed Senate Bill 184 Wednesday, it won't take effect until September. The law gives additional legal backing against criminal or civil prosecution to home owners who pull the trigger on intruders.

Meanwhile, local prosecutors believe the law backs those who usually receive the benefit of the doubt.

"If an individual used self-defense, most of the time you wouldn't see those people charged in the first place," said Assistant Summit County Prosecutor Brad Gessner. "You are in your home. You're trying to protect your home. (With the new law) you have less fear of the ramifications of someone coming after you and suing you."

The law extends to self-defense against intruders trying to enter an occupied vehicle.