West Virginia ‘Castle Doctrine’ Self-Defense Bill to Governor

West Virginians could wield deadly force against intruders or attackers under a measure now before the governor.

The House approved a Senate-passed bill that embraces the so-called “Castle Doctrine,” which supporters say is law in at least 20 other states. The measure echoes court rulings that have allowed “proportionate” force when people who are in a place they have a legal right to be in confront an attacker. It would also protect citizens from any resulting lawsuits brought by the attacker when they resist with ‘reasonable and proportionate force.”

A spokeswoman for Gov. Joe Manchin said he supports the concept, but wants his legal staff to review its details.