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Missouri Bill Would Make it Easier to Use Deadly Force in Self-Defense

A Cole Co. judge declared lawmakers' inability to pass tax credit legislation in the fall rendered a Missouri science investment bill unconstitutional.
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A Cole Co. judge declared lawmakers' inability to pass tax credit legislation in the fall rendered a Missouri science investment bill unconstitutional.

JEFFERSON CITY - A state senator running for attorney general wants Missouri to expand its "stand your ground" laws to make it easier for people to use deadly force in self-defense.

Sen. Kurt Schaefer told a senate panel Wednesday that people should be able to do whatever it takes to defend themselves without worrying about a lawsuit afterward.

Current law allows people to use deadly force if they believe it is necessary to protect themselves from a serious or fatal injury or against a forcible felony. Otherwise, a person is expected to retreat from a confrontational situation, unless he or she is in a home, car or other private property.

Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal said she supports empowering people to defend themselves, but this proposal might be too sweeping.