Post by Logan on Mar 3, 2017 2:08:54 GMT -6
Florida doesn't just want to let people stand their ground, it also wants to make the state prove they didn't commit violence in self-defense before taking them to trial.
Florida has been seen as a leader in giving citizens immunity in cases of self-defense, its "stand your ground" law serving as an emotional point of debate after several high-profile shooting deaths, including that of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin.
While at least 22 states have similar laws that say people can use force — even deadly force — to defend themselves from threats, Florida could soon be the only one that spells out that prosecutors have to prove defendants weren't acting in self-defense before taking someone to trial.
That's under a bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Rob Bradley, who says his legislation "isn't a novel concept."
Read more: abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/florida-expand-stand-ground-immunity-45850429
Florida has been seen as a leader in giving citizens immunity in cases of self-defense, its "stand your ground" law serving as an emotional point of debate after several high-profile shooting deaths, including that of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin.
While at least 22 states have similar laws that say people can use force — even deadly force — to defend themselves from threats, Florida could soon be the only one that spells out that prosecutors have to prove defendants weren't acting in self-defense before taking someone to trial.
That's under a bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Rob Bradley, who says his legislation "isn't a novel concept."
Read more: abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/florida-expand-stand-ground-immunity-45850429