Wyoming Castle Law Question

[MamaLiberty]

LOL! I've answered that question so many times I should frame it.

There is no statute or other word about open carry anywhere in the Wyoming law. It's just not mentioned.

There ARE federal laws that apply to the people of Wyoming, but are not listed in the Wyoming law.

Wyoming has complete preemption, which means that nobody but the state of Wyoming can make laws regarding gun use, carrying, etc. Some cities have old statutes on their books that predate the preemption, but they are null and void. Some cities try to intimidate people with them even now, but they will back down fast when presented with the facts. There is a thread here somewhere about Pine Bluffs and a recent incident where someone was threatened with arrest over open carry.

The owners of private property can prohibit guns in any form they wish. I have not seen any businesses so posted here, but there might be in some of the larger cities. If the business isn't posted, and an owner or manager asks you to leave, it is best to just do so. I have a card that I would hand out to such a business.

You have forbidden me to carry my self defense tool into your store. I am going to respect your wishes, but I want you to know that you have lost my business now and in the future, as long as my sidearm is not welcome.  I will also inform my friends of your policy.

Self defense is a natural human right.
Second Amendment Sisters

So far I've handed out dozens as samples, but never had to use one for a business.

[Chris]

I thought the law was shoot, shovel, shut-up.

I can only imagine how a "Shoot, Shovel & Shut Up" law would read:


Castle doctrine:

Whereas,

  The common saying is "a man's home is his castle", and

Whereas,

  The act of "castling" in chess is a defensive move,

Be it found that in order to protect person, property or abode or to prevent injury to another, it is permissible to engage in self defense in the following manner:

1) Defense
  In order to defend oneself, it is permissible to stop an imminent attack by judicious administration of significant amounts of lead or tungsten at a sufficient velocity to cause the attacker to be reconsituted into non-inert matter.

2) Disposal of non-inert matter
  In order to dispose of the remaining matter, an excavation should be created which is no less than 72 inches in depth, 60 inches in length, and 36 inches in width.

  The excavation can be undertaken with manual tools, or with machinery designed for this purpose, which will not create undue stress on the environment.

  Nothing in this section should be interpreted to allow the operation of equipment that has not been subjected to an environmental impact study to determine whether it will contribute to "Anthropogenic Global Climate Change" ("To Gaia be praised.")

3) Confidentiality
  The results of the act shall not be disclosed in any manner, including but not limited to manual audio transmission, such as personal discussion or public speeches; electronic transmission, such as in the case of Internet, forum or e-mail software; or by way of public media sources, such as newspapers, magazines or television.


Then again, that might be shorter than a real law would be too....

 


Chris

[MamaLiberty]

Well, Chris, that's an interesting mix of common sense and envirowhacko language. My head hurts. LOL

[Paul Bonneau]

This is a strange thread. Making a choice to move based on how good the official castle doctrine is...

First, it is so uncommon to actually need a castle doctrine law that, well, a lot of other things ought to be put first. For example, open carry is something you can and would do every day.

Second, it just represents the status of freedom in a particular legislature (which is poor in virtually every state, including Wyoming). It does not represent what would actually happen. If you shot an intruder while on your property but not in the house, the local DA would probably not bother to charge you with anything, and even if he did he'd probably find it hard to get a conviction. Not that I recommend shooting everyone who shows up on your property, but if he is obviously intending violence... Hey, this is Wyoming!   

As to shootouts at McDonalds, same thing applies. If you killed someone in the "Luby's Cafe" scenario, you'd be the toast of the town. 

[Tx2Wy]

Paul, this is one of many things I am looking into. The main reason for moving is individual liberties which is eroding quickly here in Texas. I believe after looking at many statutes that Wyoming has more individual liberties than most other states. The cost of living seems to be about the same. Taxation is much better in Wyoming than here in Texas especially the exorbitant property taxes I pay. I have a 3000 sq ft. home on a corner lot in Fort worth and my property tax is almost $5K per year.

I searched the Castle laws in Wyoming and the threads I was researching were confusing. By no means is this the only thing keeping me from moving. I thank everyone for giving me input and clearing up my confusion.

[DarkSide]

  In order to dispose of the remaining matter, an excavation should be created which is no less than 72 inches in depth, 60 inches in length, and 36 inches in width.

I'm afraid this would not do at all.  Excavating such a structure would scar the prairie, cause an erosion hazard and be a terrible eyesore.  I fear it would also cause the dreadful disruption of a thoroughly established ecosystem, to wit - Coyotes gotta eat too.

DS