[quote]texasguy2 wrote:
CCFan wrote:
If the absent homeowner tells police that he asked his neighbor to watch over his property, that could play in the shooter’s favor, defense attorney Tommy LaFon, who is also a former Harris County prosecutor, told the Houston Chronicle. “That could put him (the gunman) in an ownership role.”
This is because in Texas it is expected that people will look out for each other. This is not an opinion. It is the law as we have been saying. [/quote]
Actually, yes, it is an opinion.
If it were not an opinion the defense attorney would have stated it as fact. He would not have used the words “That could…” but something to the effect of “That did…”.
Additionally, the state senator from San Antonio who introduced the bill came out on the opposite side of the issue saying it “is not designed to have kind of a ‘Law West of the Pecos’ mentality or action, You’re supposed to be able to defend your own home, your own family, in your house, your place of business or your motor vehicle.”
While I’ve not taken the time to completely research it, there may be precedent in the case. In 2003 a church deacon killed a man who was trying to break into The Church of Revelation in Oak Cliff. Police referred the case to a grand jury. I don’t know the outcome of that referral or possible case.
Finally,
Three Things Your Attacker Always Does:
Announces he’s going to kill you.
Announces he has a weapon.
Reaches into his clothing.
Remember, when the cops show up, your attacker did these three things before you shot him.
[quote]CCFan wrote:
texasguy2 wrote:
CCFan wrote:
If the absent homeowner tells police that he asked his neighbor to watch over his property, that could play in the shooter’s favor, defense attorney Tommy LaFon, who is also a former Harris County prosecutor, told the Houston Chronicle. “That could put him (the gunman) in an ownership role.”
This is because in Texas it is expected that people will look out for each other. This is not an opinion. It is the law as we have been saying.
[quote]Zap Branigan wrote:
CCFan wrote:
texasguy2 wrote:
CCFan wrote:
If the absent homeowner tells police that he asked his neighbor to watch over his property, that could play in the shooter’s favor, defense attorney Tommy LaFon, who is also a former Harris County prosecutor, told the Houston Chronicle. “That could put him (the gunman) in an ownership role.”
This is because in Texas it is expected that people will look out for each other. This is not an opinion. It is the law as we have been saying.
Actually, yes, it is an opinion.
…
It appears to be Texas law, not a mere opinion.
[/quote]
Zap,
I admit that I only gave the text of the bill a quick scan but please point out to me where there is any text regarding neighbor’s property or the neighbor requesting that one look after their property giving the shooter ownership rights.
Additionally, I’d appreciate it if you could point me to the statute that makes TexasGuy2’s statement “it is expected people will look out for each other” a legal requirement.
If you can’t accommodate those requests then please explain to me how the statements by the Mr LaFon or Sen. Wentworth are fact or law rather than opinion.
Don’t get me wrong, having visited Texas (specifically, Houston) numerous times my impression is that the sentiment that TexasGuy2 and Rainjack have attested to does exist. I also have no doubt of the sincerity that is behind it. I’m completely in support of Mr. Horn and hope that he is spared a lengthy trial and, if convicted, incarceration.
[quote]CCFan wrote:
Zap Branigan wrote:
CCFan wrote:
texasguy2 wrote:
CCFan wrote:
If the absent homeowner tells police that he asked his neighbor to watch over his property, that could play in the shooter’s favor, defense attorney Tommy LaFon, who is also a former Harris County prosecutor, told the Houston Chronicle. “That could put him (the gunman) in an ownership role.”
This is because in Texas it is expected that people will look out for each other. This is not an opinion. It is the law as we have been saying.
Actually, yes, it is an opinion.
…
It appears to be Texas law, not a mere opinion.
Zap,
I admit that I only gave the text of the bill a quick scan but please point out to me where there is any text regarding neighbor’s property or the neighbor requesting that one look after their property giving the shooter ownership rights.
…[/quote]
I have read multiple stories that Texas extends their “castle law” to neighbors that request someone look after their home when they are away.
I have not read the statute nor do I intend to search for it but based on the number of stories I saw I tend to believe it but it is possible it has been misreported.
I would be loathe to take the opinion of a lawyer or politician as the truth either.
I would be interested to know for sure if you find anything.
This discussion is over, you clearly don’t want to hear opinions that differ with your own. So get your guns and shot the next bastard that tries to steal your neighbours dvdplayer.
Just to clearify, if you were in a home being broken into, and threatening with a gun didn’t scare the burglar away - I too would also shoot. To protect my family. [/quote]
The discussion cannot be over because it never began. You refused to address the points that I made and instead harped on BS. I appreciated your antics though and you made a great clown. Please feel free to continue avoiding the conversation with posts, as I find them most entertaining.
You have the strong ability to stand by your arguments in spite of others observations and question that would help you to see how one reached a conclusion. You should be a shyster lawyer. The type that would help the families of the dead burglars, sue the shooter.