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NJ Measure Would Aid Domestic Violence Victims

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey lawmakers have advanced legislation that creates a limited self-defense justification for domestic violence victims who use force to protect themselves.

The measure would make some evidence regarding domestic violence restraining orders admissible and relevant in determining whether such force was justifiable during a specific incident. It would apply in cases where a person protected by an order used force against someone who is the subject of that order.

The Assembly passed the measure earlier this month and sent it to the senate, where it has been referred to the Judiciary Committee.

But that panel has not yet scheduled a hearing on the proposal.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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