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Author Of N.H.'s 'Stand Your Ground' Bill Says Law Is Working

The sponsor of a bill that brought the Stand Your Ground law to New Hampshire says concerns about increased violence in the streets have proven to be unfounded.

On The Exchange Monday, Republican State Senator David Boutin says there is no evidence that crime spiked after the law changed in 2011.

People can now use deadly force in a public place as a first option if they feel their lives are in danger. Before the law passed, people had a duty to retreat if possible.

“It has given our citizens the comfort to know that they can legally defend themselves wherever they have a right to be, which they did not have before. And that’s a very, very comforting fact for most people.”

Last month, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would repeal the law. It is now with the Republican-led Senate, where it likely faces a tougher challenge.

Michael serves as NHPR's Program Director. Michael came to NHPR in 2012, working as the station's newscast producer/reporter. In 2015, he took on the role of Morning Edition producer. Michael worked for eight years at The Telegraph of Nashua, covering education and working as the metro editor.

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