George Zimmerman got away with murdering Trayvon Martin earlier this year in a Florida courtroom. Although Stand Your Ground was not considered as part of his defense, Zimmerman based his trial on Stand Your Ground arguments. Although he initiated contact with Trayvon Martin, Zimmerman claimed he got into a fight with Trayvon, and fearing for his life, he shot and killed the 17-year-old.
Then there is the case of Jordan Davis. Sitting in his car at a gas station with his friends listening to music. Davis was shot and killed by Michael Dunn, a patron of the gas station. Dunn initiated contact with Davis by asking the teens to turn their music down. When they refused, Dunn got his gun, shot into the car and killed Davis. He’s claiming Stand Your Ground as his defense because he too “feared for his life.”
Nineteen year old Renisha McBride got into a car accident. She went to a home for help. As she stood on the porch, the homeowner put a gun in her face and pulled the trigger. He initially told the police that he feared for his life and used deadly force against the stranger standing outside his home.
Unfortunately, Stand Your Ground is a part of life in the states where it is law – Republican states mind you. It gives the okay to vigilantes and psychopaths to use deadly force in the streets if they feel their life is in danger.
South Park took a look at this law, and although this is a cartoon depiction, the premiss is pretty accurate!
Thanks Republicans!
