Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski Signs <br> NRA-Backed Castle Doctrine Bill Into Law

Fairfax, VA-Governor Frank Murkowski has signed the National Rifle Association (NRA)-backed “Castle Doctrine” self-defense bill into law in Alaska.

 “I want to thank Governor Frank Murkowski for signing this victims’ rights bill into law,” said Chris W. Cox, NRA’s chief lobbyist. “When you’re confronted by a criminal, you don’t have the luxury of time. This bill states that if victims choose to stand their ground and fight, their decision will not be second-guessed by the State of Alaska.   The ability to protect yourself, your children, or your spouse from harm is important, whether you're in your home or outside.”

 SB 200, the "Castle Doctrine" self-defense bill, simply states that if a criminal breaks into your home, your occupied vehicle or your place of business, the victim does not have a “duty to retreat”. The bill also provides protection from criminal prosecution and civil litigation for those who defend themselves from criminal attack.

 The “Castle Doctrine” bill met with overwhelming, bipartisan support, passing with a unanimous 33-0 vote in the state house and 16-0 concurrence vote in the senate. Alaska joins 10 other states that signed similar legislation into law this legislative cycle.

 “On behalf of all NRA members in Alaska, I want to thank Governor Frank Murkowski for signing this important bill into law. I’d also like to thank the chief sponsor of the House companion bill, House Majority Leader John Coghill, Jr.  We also thank Senator Gene Therriault (R-District F) for his leadership in passing this vital measure in the Senate,” concluded Cox. “The Castle Doctrine bill is about putting the law back on the side of the victim, the way it’s supposed to be.”

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 Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group.  Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime.  The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services.