Stand Your Ground Law Self Defense

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Shari Neumann Instructor Nam Date Stand Your Ground Law-Is it Self Defense or an Excuse for Murder? On a cold, rainy evening in Sanford, Florida, a shot pierced the silence of a gated community. In February 2012, Neighborhood Watch Captain, George Zimmerman, killed an unarmed seventeen-year-old Trayvon Martin. We all know the story. We have all seen the media coverage. This case brought the controversial Stand Your Ground law to the center of long overdue scrutiny. Although Zimmerman maintained his innocence by claiming Self Defense, this questionable law still made its way into the deliberation process via Jury Instructions given by Judge Debra Nelson. This move, in turn, tainted the jury who returned with a 'Not Guilty' verdict. During…show more content…
When first adopted from Parliament, it was known as The Forcible Entry Act. The Stand Your Ground law, in layman’s terms, is a branch of Self Defense which states that an individual has the right to use deadly force in an effort to protect himself or his property without a duty to retreat. This law is currently in effect in twenty-two states. Upon researching this topic, I was surprised to learn that the state of Florida seems to have the most controversy in the misuse of Stand Your Ground. Although Florida has had severe problems with the law, this epidemic is evident in several states. This is a nationwide problem and needs to be addressed with seriousness. There are too many inconsistencies on how the law is interpreted and carried out because it is written too vague. Stand Your Ground needs to be amended, if not abolished…show more content…
It is because of the gross misinterpretations of this law that prevents all involved from getting a fair trial as in the Alexander, Giles and Landry cases. It encourages unlawful behavior with a crutch for assailants to lean on just like George Zimmerman and Michael Dunn. It also undermines this country's law enforcement and judicial system. Sadly, it rips justice away from victims' families. While I do not personally feel the Stand Your Ground law should be abolished, I am adamant that the law needs to be revised. When applied correctly, the law does work. However, more times than not, it is misinterpreted. I would like to see a more clear-cut and uniform version of the law. Lastly, I believe that a clause needs to be added to the law, which would prohibit the initial aggressor of a confrontation from claiming Stand Your Ground. In my opinion, a person who provokes instigation should not be allowed to claim Self-defense afterward like Zimmerman and Dunn. Earlier this year, a committee in Florida held a hearing in which the parents of slain teenager, Trayvon Martin, testified. The purpose of the hearing was to determine if and how the Stand Your Ground law should be amended. In an overwhelming vote, the committee agreed that this controversial law should be revised. I am optimistic that a change will

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