news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4645228.stm

"Critics say the law will lead to more violence."

Yeah, against the criminals.

Italy approves self-defence law



A man looks at guns in a gun shop in Naples, Italy

The Italian parliament has passed legislation allowing people to shoot robbers in self-defence.

The law permits the use of guns and knives by people in homes or workplaces to protect lives or belongings.

The reform was introduced by the Northern League party, a right-wing member of the ruling coalition with a strong anti-crime platform.

The opposition voted against the bill, which critics say will encourage people to take the law into their own hands.

Controversy

The new law will allow people to use legally registered weapons to protect themselves or others, and their property and the property of others, from harm.

It applies if there is a danger of aggression and the attacker does not desist.

Justice Minister Roberto Castelli backed the new law.

"Today criminals will have more to fear while there will be fewer problems for honest people," said Mr Castelli, who belongs to the Northern League.

However, the centre-left opposition expressed concern that it would encourage violence and lead to increased use of firearms.

"This is a... measure that delegates the use of force to citizens with the sole certain result of increasing the risks for people's safety," said Paolo Cento of the Greens party.

A criminal lawyers' group also criticized the law, saying it amounted to allowing "legitimate offence".

Quoted: Italy approves self-defence law newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41253000/jpg/_41253256_gunsap203.jpg A man looks at guns in a gun shop in Naples, Italy The Italian parliament has passed legislation allowing people to shoot robbers in self-defence. The law permits the use of guns and knives by people in homes or workplaces to protect lives or belongings. The reform was introduced by the Northern League party, a right-wing member of the ruling coalition with a strong anti-crime platform. The opposition voted against the bill, which critics say will encourage people to take the law into their own hands. Controversy The new law will allow people to use legally registered weapons to protect themselves or others, and their property and the property of others, from harm. It applies if there is a danger of aggression and the attacker does not desist. Justice Minister Roberto Castelli backed the new law. "Today criminals will have more to fear while there will be fewer problems for honest people," said Mr Castelli, who belongs to the Northern League. However, the centre-left opposition expressed concern that it would encourage violence and lead to increased use of firearms. "This is a... measure that delegates the use of force to citizens with the sole certain result of increasing the risks for people's safety," said Paolo Cento of the Greens party. A criminal lawyers' group also criticized the law, saying it amounted to allowing "legitimate offence".

Notice how there are no "Left-Wing" groups anymore.

WAy too cool.  I wonder if our fellow board member PALO15(sp?) has seen this and has any comments?

Quoted: Quoted: Italy approves self-defence law newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41253000/jpg/_41253256_gunsap203.jpg A man looks at guns in a gun shop in Naples, Italy The Italian parliament has passed legislation allowing people to shoot robbers in self-defence. The law permits the use of guns and knives by people in homes or workplaces to protect lives or belongings. The reform was introduced by the Northern League party, a right-wing member of the ruling coalition with a strong anti-crime platform. The opposition voted against the bill, which critics say will encourage people to take the law into their own hands. Controversy The new law will allow people to use legally registered weapons to protect themselves or others, and their property and the property of others, from harm. It applies if there is a danger of aggression and the attacker does not desist. Justice Minister Roberto Castelli backed the new law. "Today criminals will have more to fear while there will be fewer problems for honest people," said Mr Castelli, who belongs to the Northern League. However, the centre-left opposition expressed concern that it would encourage violence and lead to increased use of firearms. "This is a... measure that delegates the use of force to citizens with the sole certain result of increasing the risks for people's safety," said Paolo Cento of the Greens party. A criminal lawyers' group also criticized the law, saying it amounted to allowing "legitimate offence". Notice how there are no "Left-Wing" groups anymore.

I like this part

A criminal lawyers' group also criticized the law, saying it amounted to allowing "legitimate offence".

Gee, is the lawyers group worried about a shrinking group of clients?

the centre-left opposition expressed concern that it would encourage violence and lead to increased use of firearms.

Did I miss something, or is that not the whole idea?

I really hope it leads to a legal increase in violence and firearms use. Then shortly after the criminals get the idea, there will be a decrease in those types of crimes. There already IS violence, it's being perpetrated by the criminals. This just lets the legal people turn the violence against the criminals.
Hooray for Italy!!

The new law will allow people to use legally registered weapons to protect themselves or others, and their property and the property of others, from harm.

Use an "unregistered" weapon, and YOU'RE the one that goes to prison.

Lets hope it spreads acoss the continent. Now, time to learn Italian and open up a defensive shooting school in Italy.

Quoted: A criminal lawyers' group also criticized the law, saying it amounted to allowing "legitimate offence". Gee, is the lawyers group worried about a shrinking group of clients?

Apparently he hasn't talked to the American ABA about suing the people who shoot bad guys in self defense.

When he figures that out he might be a little less sad...

The reform was introduced by the Northern League party, a right-wing member of the ruling coalition with a strong anti-crime platform.

Soooooooo, it's a "right wing" group that takes a stand for enabling innocent, law-abiding citizens to defend themselves...

However, the centre-left opposition expressed concern that it would encourage violence and lead to increased use of firearms.

... and the so-called "centre-left" (which I suspect is waaaay left) doesn't trust the law-abiding citizens.

Seems like we and Italy have a lot more in common than we thought.

Do you guys think any of the Italians will buy Smith & Wessons? . . .




Just a thought.

CMOS

Quoted: Do you guys think any of the Italians will buy Smith & Wessons? . . . Just a thought. CMOS

Are any of the Italians professional enough for a glock 40????

Thank you Italy.  Now if we could just get repeals here.