WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Carjacking Case Tests New 'Castle' Doctrine

Carjacking Case Tests New 'Castle' Doctrine

By David Kenney
david@wlbt.net 

The limits of a new law are in question this week after a weekend shooting, where a carjacking victim took revenge on his attacker.

The new Castle doctrine that went into effect this summer is designed to give people more rights to protect themselves. That includes using a deadly weapon.

Madison-Rankin County District Attorney David Clark says he doesn't believe the man who shot accused carjacker, Clinton Pierre, in Jackson Saturday will face any charges.

Clark says that man will be protected under the Castle doctrine law, which gives people rights to used deadly force to protect their properties and more.

Representative John Reeves says, "Cars and their businesses. This fella that I read in the paper today that stole somebody's car got shot, thats going to be too bad, the guy who did the shooting is not going to be in trouble for that."

David Clark says, "The only way were going to stop crime is to take tough measures against criminals and the people of this country here the right to protect their home and their cars and their property. That's what this law does, and I strongly favor it."

Whether the Castle doctrine deters crime remains to be seen. Until then, it's giving criminals a hard lesson on why you shouldn't commit crimes.

Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson says the shooting case involving Clinton Pierre will be brought before a grand jury.