The Florida law, “Stand Your Ground,” has faced much controversy since the shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla.
“Stand Your Ground” is a self-defense law that permits an individual to use deadly force, when there is probable belief of a threat, without obligation to retreat first.
According to a cnn.com report, Craig Sonner, the attorney for George Zimmerman, said, “In my legal opinion, that’s not really applicable to this case. The statute on ‘Stand Your Ground’ is primarily when you’re in your house.”
Since the law was implemented in 2005 by former-Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, admissible homicidal rulings had increased Florida, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Now the question is, do I agree with this law? I do not have an issue with the “Stand Your Ground” law. I have an issue with those who use the law to justify their wrongdoing.
We live in a time where it’s simply not safe anymore. Evil lurks around almost every corner and I should be allowed to protect myself from it. However, I agree this law should be revised because it has no guidelines on when, or how, it should be applied.
In the Trayvon Martin case, “Stand Your Ground” was inappropriately applied by the Sanford Police Department to justify the death of this young black man. George Zimmerman pursued Martin; Martin didn’t pursue Zimmerman. Therefore, he is without plausible cause.
This law was designed so that if you are to be pursued by someone you have the right to defend yourself in any way possible. It is not giving freeway to go out and murder those who are suspect of harming someone.
The reason why I am for “Stand Your Ground” is as a single young woman, I feel safe with a law like this. I need some form of protection, especially when I am out late at night. I should be able to carry a licensed gun and be allowed to use it in the event that my life is in danger.
Mace is just not going to cut it for me. I do not have time to remove a cap from a can to temporarily blind someone. I need something quick and accessible.
Maybe growing up in a military environment has something to do with my way of thinking, but no one can convince me otherwise.
As a “military brat,” I grew up in an environment where I felt safe and protected. I didn’t have to worry about someone harming me.
Sadly, I don’t feel that way in this society; therefore, I am a strong proponent for “Stand Your Ground.”
It gives me that sense of security I once had. Although it needs revision, I believe this law should stand because its intentions are good.