New reasonable force law comes into effect

A new law which allows a homeowner to use reasonable force in defending themselves from an intruder comes into force today.

The new Criminal Law - Defence and Dwelling - Act 2011 permits the use of reasonable force to protect people inside the home, the property itself, to prevent the commission of a crime or to make a lawful arrest.

A person who uses reasonable force cannot be sued for damages by a burglar, and will not be guilty of an offence.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter said there are circumstances where people with a licenced shotgun can fire.

"If they believed their life was at risk; if they believed the life of a member of their family was at risk - the answer is yes.

"But if you saw someone, for example, in your front garden, and decided simply to take aim and fire - in no circumstances would that be appropriate unless that individual themselves was, by their conduct, posing a very severe threat."