A House of Delegates subcommittee has endorsed legislation allowing Virginians to use deadly force against intruders.
Virginians already have the right to defend themselves from intruders under common law. The so-called "castle doctrine" bills would add that right to the state code. The Courts of Justice criminal subcommittee recommended the legislation on a voice vote Monday.
Andrew Goddard is director of the Virginia Center for Public Safety. He said no one is being harmed by the existing state of the law. Fredericksburg Commonwealth's Attorney LaBravia Jenkins agreed, saying self-defense has long been a viable part of the legal framework.
But the subcommittee chairman, Del. Rob Bell of Albemarle County, said he finds it difficult to explain to constituents how far they can go to protect themselves if someone breaks in.
