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Wis.'s Castle Doctrine Doesn't Apply Outside Dwelling

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A state appeals court has ruled that Wisconsin's castle doctrine law doesn't apply outside a dwelling.

The 2nd District Court of Appeals ruling Thursday stems from the case of Charles Chew, who fired at two men as they fled across a parking lot after they beat him in his apartment in 2012.

Chew was convicted of reckless endangerment and sentenced to more than two years in prison. He argued on appeal that the trial judge improperly blocked him from invoking the castle doctrine.

The appeals court disagreed, saying the law doesn't justify using deadly force after an intruder has left the dwelling.

Chew's attorney didn't immediately return voicemail and email messages.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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