Gun Law Raises Concern
By: Candace Hutchins
Updated: January 21, 2008
The state's new 'Castle Doctrine' has been in the spotlight lately. The Castle Doctrine allows Texans the right to protect themselves using deadly force if they feel threatened on personal property. But a lesser-known gun law, also passed in September, is what some are saying may have greater consequences. The law, nicknamed the car-jacking law, allows Texans to carry guns in their cars even if they don't have a concealed handgun license. That is as long as they are not in a gang, committing criminal acts, and they have to keep the gun out of sight. But all things considered, some say the new law creates a loophole for criminals, who may use this law as a defense to say they were carrying their gun from their home to their car, when really they weren't.
Representative Carl Isett, who wrote the new law, disagrees, saying there's no reason to strip people of their second ammendment right for the mere fact that something like that may happen. Isett says the people of West Texas travel often and need to have comfort in knowing they can protect themselves with a gun if they feel it neccesary.
It's important to note, as with a lot of things, for every negative there is a positive. And this bill passed overwhelmingly in September with only two people opposed in both the house and senate combined.
