DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEM

In one non-limiting embodiment, a latch assembly includes a claw movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, and a pawl movable between a first position and a second position. The system also includes a pawl lifter operatively associated with the pawl, the pawl lifter movable between a switch-off position when the pawl is in the first position and a switch-on position when the pawl is in the second position, and a pawl switch configured to generate a pawl switch signal, the pawl lifter engaging the pawl switch to an "on" condition when the pawl lifter is in the switch-on position, and the pawl lifter disengaging the pawl switch to an "off" condition when the pawl lifter is in the switch-off position.