Fla. Task Force Begins Review Of "Stand-Your-Ground" Law
LONGWOOD (CBSMiami) -- Florida's controversial "Stand Your Ground" law will take center stage Tuesday as a task force set up by Gov. Rick Scott holds its first public hearing.
Gov. Scott's task force on Citizen Safety and Protection was created in the wake of the Travyon Martin shooting. Its members include law enforcement officers, politicians and community leaders.
Tuesday's meeting at a church in Longwood will be the first of several meetings to take place around the state to examine Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law.
Martin's shooting, following an altercation with neighborhood watch leader George Zimmerman as the teen walked through a gated community, triggered the review of the statute. Zimmerman said he shot Trayvon in self-defense after being attacked.
Police initially did not charge Zimmerman with a crime, citing Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law, which states that a person does not have to retreat in the face of a threat and can use deadly force if fearing danger of death or serious harm.
Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and is currently in jail awaiting trial.
Tuesday's meeting will include presentations by experts who will talk about how the law is used in self-defense cases as well as a four-hour opportunity for public comment.
Martin's parents will also be at the meeting to present a petition with more than 300,000 signatures asking for the reform or repeal of the law.
(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
