An Act to amend the Criminal Code (defence of person)

Bill C-270 in 45-1 was a Conservative Private Member's Bill amending the Criminal Code (R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46) to clarify the section 34 defence of person framework. Brought after multiple high-profile cases including the 2024 Hamilton-area incident where a homeowner shot an intruder during a home-invasion attempt and faced manslaughter charges (later withdrawn). The bill would have strengthened the reasonableness threshold for self-defence and defence-of-property under sections 34 and 35 of the Criminal Code, aligning Canadian law more closely with the US Castle Doctrine framework. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association expressed concern about potential escalation of armed-civilian confrontations. Did not pass second reading.

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Stephen EllisCONSERVATIVE→