N.C. House approves loosening gun laws

The Daily Southerner — RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — People who are being victimized by a carjacker or home-invader, or who think they can save a life, can use deadly force under an expansion of North Carolina gun laws tentatively approved by the state House on Tuesday.

The House voted 77-38 for legislation that puts the burden of proof on prosecutors if there’s a question whether a person was justified in firing at an intruder entering homes, cars or workplaces. A final House vote is expected Wednesday, followed by consideration in the Senate.

Current law says people have no duty to retreat inside their homes prior to using deadly force against someone trying to break in if they reasonably believe the intruder may try to kill or seriously injure them or someone else. But the legal standard means the shooter may have to justify using the weapon after the fact.

The new legislation presumes firing a weapon during these situations was proper, and would apply that beyond a home to potential victims of carjackings and business break-ins. A district attorney could try to prove otherwise in court. The shooter also would be immune from civil liability.

The gun bill also: