Despite outcry, repeal of stand your ground laws in Fla. and other states not likely

Published January 13, 2015

Despite an outcry from civil rights groups and a call for examination by the president, the jury's verdict that George Zimmerman justifiably shot unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin is unlikely to spur change to stand-your-ground self-defense laws.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 22 states have laws similar to that in Florida. They generally eliminate a person's duty to retreat in the face of a serious physical threat. So far, there doesn't appear to be an appetite in Florida or other states to repeal or change the laws. In fact, some states are moving in the opposite direction.

Zimmerman said he shot Martin only after the black teenager attacked him. Martin's family and supporters say Zimmerman, who identifies himself as Hispanic, racially profiled Martin.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/us/despite-outcry-repeal-of-stand-your-ground-laws-in-fla-and-other-states-not-likely