State lawmakers seek to expand when Tennesseans can use deadly force in self-defense

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Mike Osborne) — The Tennessee House this week passed two proposals addressing how state residents use deadly force.

The first measure would allow a person to kill to prevent a sexual assault.

Franklin Rep. Brandon Ogles sponsored the bill. He explained to colleagues on the House floor when the bill would allow deadly force.

“Rape, aggravated rape, rape of a child, aggravated rape of a child is justifiable use of deadly force in self-defense, also in defense of a third party.”

A second bill would allow victims of human trafficking to use deadly force in their own defense.

That bill was inspired by the Cyntoia Brown case. Brown was sentenced to life in prison at 16 for fatally shooting a man who paid Brown’s trafficker to have sex with her. She was pardoned by then Gov. Bill Haslam after serving 15 years.

Both bills passed the House unanimously. Ther are now awaiting consideration by the State Senate.