Pocono News Section

Gun Laws in PA

Gun Laws in PA - Monday, April 28, 2008 at 10:41PM EST

Reported by: Eric Scheiner
Monday, Apr 28, 2008 @ 10:41pm EST
WILKES-BARRE- - Philadelphia's new laws on gun control are headed to court in May. New laws expanding the use of lethal force are being considered in Harrisburg. Right now, courts and lawmakers across Pennsylvania are looking into whether the state's gun laws should be relaxed or tightened.

Mayor Micheal Nutter recently compared Philadelphia's new gun laws with the Declaration of Independence, saying that the city was making itself independent of the violence that's been taking place for too long. The laws looking to limit handgun purchases to one a month, require stolen or lost firearms to be reported in 24 hours and outlaw the possession of certain assault weapons. All measures were quickly challenged.

A 1974 state law reserves gun legislation to the state legislature and the Pennsylvania Constitution says, " The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State should not be questioned". Some critics say it's time for these laws to change or gun violence will escalate. Gun owners say the current laws are enough and more gun control laws aren't needed.

There's even a bill in Harrisburg expanding the so-called "castle doctrine". When dealing with the threat of violence in one's home the use of lethal force can be used without first retreating under law. A new house measure looks to expand that doctrine to the street, the mall, a car, or anyplace where someone is facing a life-threatening situation.

WYOU Interactive takes a look at the legislation and issues surrounding guns with Jerry Schutz of the Luzerne County federation of Sportsmen and state Rep. Steve Cappelli.