Gun law is no law

DEPUTY Michael Ring has departed from the time-honoured legal test of “reasonable force” required of householders who tackle intruders.

He even wonders what the requirement actually means.

Yet the rule has long proved prudent and workable. Any jury of ordinary citizens can apply the principle to the circumstances of each case. Indeed, the concept of “reasonable” remains a legal norm.

More alarming perhaps are the implications of his recently reported remarks for he seems to favour allowing houseowners use whatever level of force they choose. Were this to happen, however, an escalation of violent confrontation could ensue. Casualties might multiply.

Gun law is no law.

JA Barnwell

St Patrick’s Road

Dublin 9