ATLANTA - Georgians would have greater latitude to fight off assailants without fear of legal action or criminal prosecution under a bill signed this week by Gov. Sonny Perdue.
Senate Bill 396, sponsored by Sen. Greg Goggans, R-Douglas, expands the state's self-defense laws to allow law-abiding people to use deadly force anywhere they feel threatened, as long as they are licensed to own or carry the firearm. The same protection already applies to people in their own homes and cars or on their own property.
The measure's approval was among a batch of bill signings announced late Thursday by Mr. Perdue's office.
Supporters say the bill will give state residents a tool to use against those who might cause them harm. Opponents say it will give some people cover for committing violent crimes or encourage otherwise law-abiding citizens to become trigger-happy.
Florida passed a similar measure last year.
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